New heads at Diefenbach Elkins

Diefenbach Elkins co-founder and chairman John Diefenbach is stepping down from the New York identity consultancy as co-founder John Elkins takes over.

The handover comes as the group plans to announce a joint venture arrangement with an unnamed overseas group.

Elkins, who was president and chief operating officer, becomes chairman and chief executive officer. He is also made chairman and CEO of the McCann-Erickson WorldGroup Brand Equity sector.

Diefenbach Elkins is owned by The Interpublic Group, and is a division of McCann-Erickson.

Claude Salzberger has been promoted to president and chief creative officer; David Boorstin becomes executive vice-president client services; and head of financial services James Cerruti and Robert Michel also join the management team. Diefenbach’s role is yet to be decided.