• by Fern Siegel , February 10, 2022

IPG announced hires at two of its agencies: MullenLowe and Tierney.

MullenLowe has reached outside the U.S. for its latest management executive. It just tapped Lu Borges, previously with BMF Australia, as head of MullenLowe U.S. Brand and communications, a new post.

Borges reports to Lee Newman, CEO MullenLowe US, and is based in Los Angeles.

She is charged with all branding, communications, social media, and streamlining the MullenLowe Awards submission process. While she is not involved with specific accounts, Borges will work closely with agency leadership and new business teams.

Her role was created by Newman; Borges’ remit is regional, but includes all the agency’s U.S. offices. Newman decided to combine the internal and external communications responsibilities into one central leader. His idea is to synthesize one distinct MullenLowe US identity.

The agency touted her eclecticism when announcing her hire.  

"Lu is an energetic, whip-smart, former attorney," says Newman. "She's a gifted sax player who played with Kenny G and a brilliant linguist who translated for Hillary Clinton. A true renaissance woman. If she can do all that, I can't wait to see where she takes the MullenLowe brand.

Borges is a seasoned executive. Before her MullenLowe appointment, she was group communications director at BMF, creative technology agency Orchard, and the Enero Group — all in Australia. Earlier, she worked at Spanish agency Shakleton, part of Accenture Interactive. Borges singled out the agency’s “innovative approach, incredible talent” and “lovely human beings” as part of the company’s appeal.

MullenLowe US is part of the global MullenLowe Group network, owned by IPG. Its roster includes Acura, Corona, Credit Karma, E*TRADE, Grey Goose, Hawaiian Air, Navy  Federal Credit Union, Patrón, Schick, T.J. Maxx and Royal Caribbean.

Separately, Tierney, a Philadelphia-based IPG agency, promoted Tracey Santilli to president. A 20-year vet of the strategic communications agency, Santilli's most recent role was as Chief Growth Officer. She was responsible for the agency’s latest new business wins, AutoLenders and Insomnia Cookies, and as well as organic growth for Yuengling, a Pennsylvania brewery, an existing client.