Alfonso Rodes set to take charge of MPG

by John Tylee, Campaign 25-May-06, 08:30

LONDON - Vincent Bollore, the Havas chairman, has confirmed that Alfonso Rodes is the frontrunner to become the Media Planning Group worldwide chief executive.

Bollore said Rodes' name was being put forward for approval by the group's executive committee next month.

The move will see Rodes succeed his brother, Fernando Rodes, at the Havas-owned media network. Fernando was appointed as Havas' chief executive in March.

As MPG's chief corporate development officer, Alfonso currently serves as his brother's deputy. He is also the chief executive of MPG Spain.

Bollore said to Campaign: "Not only does Fernando now have a lot more work to do, but we have decided our executive committee should include only the chief executives of our operating companies."

Meanwhile, Bollore faces a backlash from Aegis. Last week, he raised his stake in the media buying company to 27.6%, fuelling speculation he wants to acquire Aegis and merge Carat and Vizeum operations with MPG.

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