Jaques lands key Y&R role

Y&R Asia chief executive officer Chris Jaques has been named head of the network's North America operations, ending almost three months of speculation over his future (Media, 30 June). <BR><BR> Reporting to Y&R's global CEO Hamish McLennan, Jaques (pictured) has been tasked with driving new business, overseeing creative standards and exploring new consumer touchpoints. Jaques has headed Y&R Asia since 2003, and has been largely responsible for turning the network into a profitable organisation, despite being hamstrung by a global offering which has leaked business and staff in recent years. <BR><BR> McLennan told Media that Jaques would retain his Asia chairman role while the search for a new regional head continues. "We will appoint a regional director to replace Chris in due course," he said. <BR><BR> Jaques' appointment comes as part of a wider management reshuffle, which began with the McLennan's recent elevation to the post of global CEO. Former Y&R North America CEO Gord McLean has stepped up to the role of global managing partner, responsible for driving Y&R's client strategy internationally.