Interbrand N&S appoints chief executive

Newly formed group Interbrand Newell and Sorrell has appointed Rita Clifton as chief executive. She will be responsible for forging the new consultancy, developing its business and managing its relationship with Interbrand’s 15 offices outside the UK.

Clifton, whose position takes effect from 24 November, joins from Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising where she was vice-chair and executive planning director.

She will work alongside the new group’s chairman John Sorrell and other top management.

“I will be doing the day-to-day hands-on job of running the company and helping to establish a structure which will maximise the complementary skills of the two consultancies,” says Clifton. She sees product development as an area with particular potential.

Interbrand and Newell and Sorrell will operate independently until early 1998 although they plan to work increasingly together before then. The combined group will have a turnover of around 17m and employ nearly 200 staff (DW 10 October).