141's Hearn resurfaces as Publicis Dialog global CEO

by Claire Billings,, Brand Republic 14-Nov-03, 07:00

LONDON – Colin Hearn has joined Publicis as global CEO of its direct marketing arm Publicis Dialog, the second high-level 141 Communications executive to move to the Paris-based network.

Hearn, former CEO of 141 Worldwide, part of the now defunct Cordiant Communications, follows Dennis Kerslake, who joined Publicis in September as CEO of Dialog in the UK.

Hearn led an exodus of high-level staff from 141 Worldwide, including Patrick Hanson-Lowe, who has been with the group since 1994 and had run 141's £18m Allied Domecq business, and 141's head of Europe Marcus Starke, after Sir Martin Sorrell's WPP made a bid for Cordiant.

He had been expected to turn up at Publicis, which recently took over the Allied Domecq business, including brands such as Tia Lusso, Malibu and Ballantine's whisky.

The appointment comes as Publicis aims to position itself as a holistic agency. Hearn will report to Publicis Worldwide chief operating officer Rik Bendel.

Bendel said: "In Colin Hearn, we have managed to attract one of the premier practitioners in the world, who really gets what it is that Publicis is trying to do here to be the ultimate holistic agency partner for our clients."

Hearn will be based in Publicis' offices in Baker Street, London.

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