Arnold Appoints Kiran Smith As CEO

Havas agency Arnold has named Kiran Smith CEO to help the agency "write a new future," says Paul Marobella, Chairman and CEO of Havas Creative North America.

Starting July 9th, Smith will take the reins from Pam Hamlin, the 20-year veteran of the creative network, who said in April she would be stepping down. She’ll remain with Arnold until later this summer to help Smith transition to her new role. 

Based at the agency's Boston headquarters, Smith will work alongside Icaro Doria, chief creative officer of Arnold, and report to Marobella.

Smith brings a diverse range of experience and capabilities. Most recently she served as CMO at Brookstone, and previously held brand leadership positions at Stride Rite and Shaw's Supermarkets. In addition, Smith has a background in professional services working for a number of years at Accenture and Alliance Consulting Group, servicing a variety of global brands.

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“The landscape is changing and requires an approach that blends top-tier business strategy with an understanding of a client’s challenges and how to bring solutions to life through creativity," says Marobella. Smith, he added, will contribute to the Havas mission to be the "most meaningful partner to the modern CMO."

Smith says, “I’m deeply passionate about business transformation, taking something that is already strong to its highest potential. To join an iconic creative agency like Arnold is an amazing opportunity and I’m excited to see where we can take both the agency and our client’s brands in this next chapter." 

It was also in April that the agency confirmed that managing partner, chief financial officer, and global director of operations Scott Feyler would also be also departing the agency after more than two decades. Feyler left in May for a new undisclosed opportunity.

Medialink conducted the executive search for Arnold.

 

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