Wren flies into top slot at Omnicom

Omnicom, owner of DDB Needham Worldwide, TBWA International and BBDO Worldwide, has finally agreed on a successor to president Bruce Crawford.

Crawford’s departure will be a drawn-out process and sources within the company suggest he could be retained as chairman, which would be a new position.

According to insiders John Wren, currently chairman and chief executive officer of Omnicom’s Diversified Agency Services (DAS), could take the reins as early as September.

Wren has been favourite for the job since Crawford announced that he wanted to retire. But no timetable has been revealed before.

Wren’s elevation underlines the importance the group places on its non-advertising interests. DAS covers market research, public relations and branding worldwide.

Peter Jones, formerly DAS UK chief executive, moved to New York in May and is well placed to take over from Wren as the head of DAS.