Richard Hartell to leave Starcom UK for US role

In his time with the agency, Hartell has held the position of strategic development director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and has held the post of planning director and business director.

Hartell is expected to start his New York-based role at the end of May.

He has worked on a number of client accounts including Barclays Bank, Orange, Microsoft, Scottish & Newcastle and the COI.

Stewart Easterbrook, CEO, Starcom MediaVest Group, said: "Richard's move to the US is a fantastic example of the opportunities available for key talent within a global network like Starcom MediaVest Group.

"It makes me very proud to know that the talent in the UK is of the scope and scale to be considered truly global. It reflects our ongoing focus on building a best practice hub in the UK and through Richard, SMG UK will continue to influence the global business. I wish Richard all the very best with what the future brings him in his new role state-side."

Starcom is in the process of refreshing its management team, which has recently lost Avril Gallagher, the client managing director EMEA at Starcom, to OMD where she will head the global Vodafone account.

She has been replaced by Geraud Benoit, who joins from Universal McCann, to head its Procter & Gamble business.

Also departing the agency is former managing director and current chief client officer Alastair Bannerman, who is to join the Australia-based, out-of-home media owner Eye as its global marketing director. The agency is considering his replacement.

The agency has recently hired Ian James to the role of chief digital officer. He was previously at Aegis Media as global vice-president of client services and worked on digital strategy for clients including Johnson & Johnson, Nokia and Disney.

This article was first published on mediaweek.co.uk