New FutureBrand chief for Europe

Patrick Smith, Europe chief executive of Enterprise IG, has been poached by rival branding group FutureBrand.

Smith will be anointed as chief executive of Europe for the Interpublic-owned group, reporting directly to global chief executive Jean-Louis Dumeu, who joined from Landor Associates in March.

It will be the first time that FutureBrand has had someone in the top European role since the departure of Charles Trevail (DW 3 July 2003).

Dumeu has also appointed Smith UK managing director, a position left vacant by the departure of Liz Finn (DW 1 July).

‘Patrick’s priority [in the UK] will be to continue the work that I have initiated in London,’ says Dumeu. ‘Over the summer we have won some major pitches and clients are getting excited by our innovation proposition.’

He says there is no intention of bringing anyone else in alongside Smith at the management level, though there are several open positions for designers and account directors within the group.

Smith has already left his position, but a question mark remains over his start date. FutureBrand was unable to confirm when he will formally join the ranks of IPG.

Enterprise IG UK chief executive John Mathers is a clear contender to replace Smith on the international management team of Enterprise, though an Enterprise IG spokesman says there is no short term need for the role to be filled.

‘Dave Allen will bring the European role within his portfolio in the short term as the group takes the long view about the Europe chief executive role that Smith filled,’ he says.

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