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Does new CCO Karlsson signal better times at MDC’s CP+B?

Missed this one but it’s worth noting all the same: the Swedes are back in town. Boulder, Colorado to be precise.

High profile creative Linus Karlsson (below) has joined former Forsman & Bodenfors CEO Erik Sollenberg at the helm of Crispin Porter+Bogusky, one of the key MDC Partners agencies even if it is halfway up a mountain. MDC bought into F&B in a mostly share deal last year.

Karlsson’s most recent venture, Ming Utility and Entertainment Group, has been sold to MDC’s Plus Productions with Ming CEO Brian DiLorenzo leading the combined company. Ming’s most high profile work was a Polaroid relaunch.

New global CCO Karlsson says: “I love people and building things. Helping companies grow and find their focus is my passion. I have long been a great fan of CP+B and their spirit of surprise and entrepreneurialism – creating their very own special place in our industry. Now, we have a chance to build upon that spirit, and add to the CP+B legacy in new and exciting ways for our clients. I am honoured to join Erik and the team across the globe at such an exciting time for the agency.”

CP+B chairman Chuck Porter says: “Wherever Linus has been, great work has happened. He and I believe in the same things, and I can’t think of anyone better to help us start some revolutions.”

CP+B has stuttered somewhat since Alex Bogusky left but the rumbustious Karlsson, who could hardly be more different to Bogusky who sometimes takes himself a tad seriously, looks like an inspired signing. He was one of the founders of Mother in New York and played a key role in steadying the General Motors account at McCann’s Commonwealth office. He was also global CCO of McCann.

Sollenberg’s former home Forsman & Bodenfors is one of the world’s best creative agencies so the renewed CP+B may finally get its mojo back. MDC, for years a figure of fun in adland due to the antics of founder Miles Nadal, now boasts an impressive line-up of creative agencies which also includes Anomaly and 72andSunny.

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