Fallon Worldwide has promoted Rocky Novak to the role of chief executive as incumbent Mike Buchner steps up to become chairman.
Novak will head up both the Minneapolis headquarters and Fallon's New York office, which opened just over two years ago. He previously oversaw the Publicis agency’s Minneapolis office as managing director, a role which will not be refilled.
Novak's expertise lies in media strategy and digital, and has held the titles of both group media director and director of digital development during his 17-year stint at the company.
Former chief executive Buchner, who was promoted to chairman after 35 years at the agency on 1 March, said Novak comes armed with a “modern marketer’s skillset”.
“His fearless optimism, proven track record of success and institutional knowledge will all be great assets as he leads Fallon into the future as our new chief executive,” he added.
Novak said: "I am incredibly honored to lead the next chapter of Fallon's story. Our industry is in an era of drastic change – across consumer behavior, technology and talent. But despite the changing variables, now is the time to be bold and push the boundaries of creativity."
Elsewhere in Publicis, its two media agencies Blue 449 and Spark Foundry were merged under the latter's branding as part of its ongoing consolidation plans.