• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, June 24, 2014

Hey, New Yorkers -- there's a dude across the pond who thinks London is the capital of the ad world. Hot off multiple wins at Cannes Lions last week, adam&eveDDB CEO James Murphy says London now has a "gravitational pull" that is attracting top ad talent and clients from around the world. He noted that the agency's multiple wins were a "testament to the vitality of London" and added that “London is a much more global place. Staff are more international. It is equidistant between China and Japan and the tech companies in California. It means we have a really long working day to deal with those important clients.” He kind of has a point.

Former CEO of DDB Group Australia Chris Brown has been appointed president and CEO of DDB New York. The current DDB New York CEO, Peter Hempel, is stepping up to chairman and CEO of a new parent entity, DDB Group New York. If that wasn’t tongue-twisting enough, the new entity will oversee DDB New York, DDB Remedy, Uproar@DDB, Tribal Worldwide New York, Roberts & Langer DDB and Spike DDB. Of the new structure and the new Hire, Hempel said: "This new structure allows us to get more from all the talent that we have within the various groups that are part of DDB in New York. After 11 years at DDB New York, I am looking forward to working with Chris to see what kinds of synergies can be created across our operations." Can you say "mini holding company"?

Hmm. How long before David Berkowitz takes over MRY? He just reached his one year anniversary with the company. Apart from that, the agency has selected former David & Goliath LA Director of New Business Kingsley Taylor as managing director of the agency's new San Francisco office. Currently, the office has 10 staffers. Of the hire, MRY founder and CEO Matt Britton said, “Kingsley brings a consultative approach to the business, along with energy, passion and an entrepreneurial style that will build on the great work our group has done out in San Francisco. He is a perfect fit for our culture and exactly who we need to spread the MRY love in the Bay Area.”

JWT Worldwide has announced a pioneering international scholarship to assist and promote talented female creative advertising students. Named after both the industry's and JWT's first female copywriter, Helen Lansdowne Resor, the scholarship is a centerpiece of the agency's 150th anniversary.  Of the scholarship, JWT Worldwide Chairman and CEO Bob Jeffrey said: "As the industry's oldest global agency with a history of pioneering achievements, we are in the position as influencers to change the paradigm when it comes to diversity and women in the industry. We are thrilled to offer this first-of-its-kind scholarship designed to cultivate a network of support for aspiring female creative ad students." Will this make a dent in the industry's 3% problem ?