Lida exodus continues as Whitcombe signs for Helia

louise_whitcombeLouise Whitcombe has become the second senior executive to leave Lida – often viewed as M&C Saatchi’s “shining star” – in a week after switching to rival Havas Helia as group managing director.
Her departure follows that of creative chief Nicky Bullard, who was revealed as the new chairman and chief creative officer at MRM Meteorite earlier this week.
Working alongside group chief executive Tash Whitmey, Whitcombe will spearhead the Havas Helia agencies in both London and Cirencester.
As part of the shake-up, Havas Helia Cirencester managing director David Williams has been promoted to group chief operating officer, effectively succeeding Matt Fanshawe who left the agency last year.
Whitcombe had been at Lida since June 2013, rejoining the agency as chief operating officer, having quit in 2012 to join BBH as CRM director.
She started her career at GGT Direct before taking on senior roles at Lowe and DraftFcb.
Her appointment follows that of Dan Gibson, who was wooed back from Havas Singapore in November to head up the agency’s global digital creative account for Unilever brand Dove.

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