• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, July 1, 2008

Aegis Group's selection of John Napier, a former media ratings chief as its new chairman, appears to send some interesting signals about the future of the London-based marketing services holding company. Napier succeeds Colin Sharman who presided over Aegis for eight years that included a couple of CEOs, its successful expansion into North America, and the persistent courtship by Havas CEO Vincent Bollore to gain a foothold on Aegis' board.

Aegis insiders caution against reading too closely into the tea leaves, noting that the timing has more to do with mandatory turnover requirements for Aegis' chairman's post, than it does with any imminent deals.

But Napier's history as former CEO of AGB, a British-based media ratings firm that has since been split up and sold in pieces to TNS and a partnership of Nielsen Co. and WPP Group, adds to the intrigue surrounding Aegis' future. It also seems to put the focus on Aegis' considerable research assets, which include Synovate.

Napier most recently was chairman of Royal & SunAlliance Group. He previously was chairman of Kelda.

Aegis is the parent of Carat, Isobar, Vizeum, and Posterscope.