There have been a lot of leadership changes at Dentsu Aegis Network over the last year, and the significance of each move isn’t always obvious, but Michael Epstein’s promotion to CEO of Carat Global looks to be a straight reward for his success at winning and retaining business while leading the network in the US.
Epstein is credited with Carat’s victory in the $1.5 billion Microsoft pitch last year, ensuring that DAN’s flagship network held on to one of its flagship accounts, and for bringing in the United Airlines, Intel and P&G business in the US.
From June 1st, Epstein’s predecessor in the role, Christine Removille, will become DAN’s global president, media and performance transformation. Removille joined Carat last year from Accenture Interactive, where she as a founder and managing director.
Both Epstein and Removille report directly to Peter Huijboom, DAN global CEO media and performance and global clients. Michael will be based in New York, but will also spend time working with Carat’s global leadership team in London. The agency has a European pedigree, having been founded in France in 1966 as Centrale d’Achats Radio, Affichage, Télévision.
Epstein joined Carat US in 2013 as its first chief strategy officer, and in 2017 became CEO, Carat US, a position he will continue to hold while a search for his successor is conducted. He said: “We’ve been on an incredible journey with Carat in the US, driven by some of the brightest minds in media. A huge part of that success has been the unique way in which Dentsu Aegis Network operates – connecting across agencies and markets to meet our clients’ needs. I’m proud and excited to continue that journey with colleagues from around the globe.”
Huijboom said: “Michael’s track record speaks for itself and is built on a rare ability to blend the science of media planning and product with the art of creating lasting relationships with clients. The breadth and the strength of his leadership will be a huge asset as we continue to transform our media and performance business to meet the needs of our clients.”
