Landor regroups as WPP merger talks resume

As merger talks reopen between WPP Group and Landor Associates’ parent Young & Rubicam, the international branding specialist has made several staff changes at senior level. The changes are part of a shift in focus towards “providing complete branding solutions for companies in the new economy”.

Current president of Landor Europe and managing director of the London office, Craig Branigan, has been appointed president and chief operating officer of Landor worldwide. He will be responsible for the group’s operations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and will oversee all marketing communications globally.

Having worked for the consultancy in several of its offices around the world, Branigan says his past experiences will be extremely valuable. “One advantage I can bring to the party is that I’ve run Landor’s New York and San Francisco offices in the past, so I can help with the globalisation of the group,” he says.

Branigan adds that Landor’s three main specialist areas – identity, environment and branding – will continue to form the group’s base, but will have much closer links to each other.

“Landor’s roots are meeting the changing needs of our clients and what makes us unique is that we are not just good in one area. We are trying to make the skills we offer to clients much more seamless,” he explains.

Replacing Branigan, who is returning to the US, will be Jean-Louis Dumeu, the former vice-president of Landor Europe. He will continue to be based in Paris. President of Landor Americas, Jean-Marc Bara, will continue to oversee the three offices in New York, San Francisco and Mexico, as well as the informal base in Brazil.

Landor chairman and chief executive officer Clay Timon says the restructure is “a clear message to the market about our long-term intentions. We have been expanding rapidly as our clients seek more complex, integrated branding solutions, and as we serve them more effectively through long-term partnerships.

“The new appointments reflect Landor’s increased determination to maintain our leadership and serve our clients as we continue to develop our capabilities. We’re very excited about the future and our ability to provide clients with the very best strategic, creative and implementation capabilities in the industry,” says Timon.