Olivier Altmann appointed chief creative officer of Publicis Worldwide

The role is effective immediately. Altmann will report to Richard Pinder, chief operating officer of Publicis Worldwide.

Pinder said: "We have an ambitious target to be a top-five creative network by 2012. To do that I need a partner who can spend his time on global accounts and on key creative talent around our network. Olivier is ideal for this role having already been a chairman of our creative board and it’s great to finally be able to have him in this crucial role. He will join our worldwide executive committee with immediate effect".

In his new role, Altmann becomes responsible for driving creative output across the Publicis Worldwide network. The network has moved from fifteenth in last year's Gunn Report to 10th this year. Altmann will divide his responsibilities between global clients including Renault and Orange, and recruiting, motivating and working with top talent.

He retains his position as executive creative director and co-chairman of Publicis Conseil.

On his new role Altmann said: “I believe that a truly successful chief creative officer has to create community, collaboration and common values, to inspire and motivate. He also has to remain anchored in the craft with clients. I have been given the fantastic opportunity to do both, and, most importantly, to work alongside some of the smartest creatives in the business.

Earlier this month, Miguel-Angel Furones, Leo Burnett's former worldwide chief creative officer, was named as the head of Publicis' operation in Spain.

His hiring renews his association with Richard Pinder, the Publicis Worldwide chief operating officer and former EMEA president at Leo Burnett.