People on the move: appointments and departures at BBC Worldwide, Engine Group, Acast, Droga5 and more

Microsoft

Microsoft this week promoted Bruno Fiorentini Junior to head of advertising, global agencies and accounts, as part of a restructure of the team, which led to several job losses.

The changes at Microsoft also see Stephen Kim assume the role of lead of the advertising worldwide marketing team.

Microsoft is looking to reduce its worldwide force by 18,000.

Engine Group

Peter Scott, founder of Engine Group – which was acquired by Lake Capital for £100m earlier this year – has stepped down.

A huge name in the industry, Scott was originally a co-founder of Wight Collins Rutherford Scott (WCRS) in 1979.

A spokesperson for the agency said the departure “follows the recent transaction and careful thought about the future strategy and direction of the group.”

BBC Worldwide

Virgin Media executive Jonathan Green has been appointed by BBC Worldwide to launch its download-to-own digital content service Store.

The commercial arm of the broadcaster has appointed Green to the role of director of BBC Store, which is due to launch in the first half of next year.

He will report into Marcus Arthur, managing director of BBC Worldwide, UK & ANZ, who said: “Jonathan brings with him invaluable experience won with some of the biggest players in digital which puts him in an ideal position to launch our ambitious new platform.”

Facebook

Facebook has poached Google’s director of global strategic partnerships Damian Burns to run its global sales of its ad platform Atlas.

The Drum understands that, while the full remit of Burns has not yet been revealed, he will be expected to drive growth for Atlas sales globally.

Having joined Google in 2005, Burns is currently on gardening leave.

Elmwood

Jessie McGuire has joined Elmwood to lead the brand and design consultancy’s strategy in the US.

Formerly global design leader at Kimberly-Clark, McGuire’s appointment comes as the agency looks to expand its US presence.

As strategy director McGuire will bring a client perspective to the job of brand design for Elmwood’s roster of global and local clients.

YunoJuno

YunoJuno has appointed Steve Cater, previously of Whynot, as its first communications partner.

Cater will look to build the marketing communications for the business as it continues to promote its members-only network.

Shib Mathew, YunoJuno chief executive, said: “We’re very excited to have Steve join the YJ team and infuse his experience, expertise and passion for the industry with our mandate to change the way innovative employers connect with London’s best freelancers.”

Bite

Bite has employed Rory Woods, the former Saatchi art director, to head up its newly formed Content Lab, with the aim to stop content pollution.

Along with a group of six former journalists, Woods will create storytelling campaigns for Bite clients Amazon, Flipboard, GoDaddy, Hasbro, Quip, Sage, WeWork and 4Music.

McCann London

McCann London has appointed Joe Koprowski and Peter Browse as integrated creatives, handling the agency’s Xbox and Mastercard accounts.

The duo met at BMB, where they worked together on campaigns for Grolsch, TUI, McCain, and Microsoft and led the agency’s digital output.

They will report into co-presidents and chief creative officers, Rob Doubal and Lol Thomson.

Acast

Acast has named Ross Adams, former European sales director for Spotify, as its UK country manager.

Ross is charged with managing the successful launch of Acast in the UK, and will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of Acast’s UK operation, ensuring that there is a strategy for growth.

He said of his appointment: “To be involved in the latest digital revolution at an early stage is an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Until now podcasts have been an underutilised and unfriendly platform for advertisers but Acast is changing how the medium works. Advertisers now have a new, multidimensional platform to take advantage of, which gives a clear distinction between the editorial content and commercial messages. This is the first time podcasts have had this capability, which could open doors media houses to monetise their own online news podcasts.”

Tribal Worldwide

Tribal Worldwide has appointed SapientNitro’s Lee Woodard as managing partner and head of account management.

Woodward will lead Tribal’s Volkswagen business, reporting to the agency’s managing director Tom Roberts.

Said Roberts: “Lee’s track record of leading business transformative work for large, blue chip clients makes him the ideal man to lead the VW business at the agency. We’re very much looking forward to having him on-board.”

TAG

The American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As), the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) have appointed Linda Woolley as president and chief executive of joint initiative TAG.

Formerly known as the Trustworthy Digital Supply Chain Initiative, TAG was established to help fight digital advertising fraud, advertising-supported piracy and other digital communications criminality.

Of her appointment, Woolley said: "Establishing a trustworthy digital supply chain – and rooting out fraud – is one of the most important things we can be doing right now.”

JWT London

JWT London has appointed former DDB Spain executive creative director Fernando Barbella as its creative director.

The appointment comes as BBH London’s Alex Ball joins the agency as senior creative.

At DDB Spain Barbella worked with clients including Audi, VW and Movistar, while Ball has handled accounts for Cadbury Wispa, Army and P&G.

Yummi

Yummi Media Group has announced that Joe Evea will join the company as chief commercial officer.

Formerly of Digital Cinema Media, Evea will be responsible for Yummi’s commercial strategy and the global optimisation of the company’s technology platform (Phonix) through its mobile application products.

Of his appointment, he said: “There is a real scope for Yummi to move into the media space and I am looking forward to rapidly expanding the global footprint of Phonix, not only in cinema but into other channels including television and live events.”

Rosetta

Rosetta has promoted Eric Healy from managing partner of Rosetta’s consumer products and retail industry group to chief executive officer for the company.

Also taking a position on the leadership board at Rosetta, Healy will now oversee all business units across its nine US and European locations.

Healy first joined the agency in February 2014.

Droga5

Droga5 has announced that senior account lead, Nick Simons of the New York office has moved and will be joining the London office as managing director.

The move will see Simons oversee operations of all accounts while also helping London expand its portfolio.

Creative chairman of Droga5, David Droga noted: “Nick Simons has proven to be an energetic force, both winning and leading business out of our New York office. We're looking forward to him bringing this Droga5 spirit to London as we strengthen our Global offerings."