Recognised as the individual with the skill, track record and passion to take the agency to the next level, Behrens joins McCann Worldgroup with 23 years' industry experience. Behrens gained his experience at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, starting as an account executive and progressing to the position of chairman of TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris\Johannesburg over a 16-year period. Behrens then spent five years with Leo Burnett as group CEO, successfully turning the company around, before returning to TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris two years ago to the position of MD of global accounts. This year, Behrens was re-elected to a third term as chairman of the ACA.
Comments Behrens, “I am privileged to be joining McCann Worldgroup. The agency boasts a quintessential global network and a fantastic mix of brands and clients. With a goal of taking the company to the next level, following on the legacy left behind by Martin Hummel this is an exciting personal challenge. I look forward to working with McCann's talented team of people”.
After two years as McCann Worldgroup SA's group chief executive, Hummel will return to London as a member of the company's Regional Management Team, with continued responsibilities for SA. During the time that Hummel led McCann Worldgroup SA, the agency reports making “a remarkable turnaround from a struggling company, without leadership, direction or confidence to one boasting exceptionally talented people, strong thinking and demonstrably better creative work - an agency now acknowledged as a real force in the industry”.
Says Hummel, “We accomplished a great deal over the last two years. I looked long and hard to find the right person who could take McCann Worldgroup to the next level of success. There were a number of qualified candidates with the appropriate pedigree. However, there was one person who had the credentials, the track record, the passion and the energy to ensure we would get to where McCann ultimately deserves to be in South Africa. Reinher is just that person and we are delighted beyond words that he has chosen to join us. He is, without qualification, the best.”
