The New York office of Publicis Worldwide has named Carla Serrano CEO. Serrano, who formerly served as chief strategy officer and oversaw brand, digital, social strategy initiatives for the multinational PR powerhouse's New York hub, assumes the new role immediately.

Carla SerranoCarla Serrano

Serrano, who joined Publicis in 2014, was previously CEO of creative agency Naked Communications. Prior to that she was chief strategy officer of advertising agency TBWA Chiat/Day NY, and also served as president of WPP unit Berlin Cameron and Partners. Throughout her career, she has represented client brands such as Coca-Cola, Apple, Kraft, Samsung, Cadillac and Citibank. She’s a member of Publicis Worldwide’s executive committee, ComEx.

Serrano succeeds Publicis Worldwide's North America CEO Andrew Bruce, who has held the New York CEO position in tandem with his current title since 2013. Serrano will partner with chief creative officer Andy Bird, as well as Publicis Worldwide North America chief digital officer Dawn Winchester and COO Nathalie Fagnan. She will report to Bruce.

In a statement, Publicis Worldwide referred to Serrano’s appointment as “significant,” part of a larger management evolution occurring at the agency. Bruce said that, "Elevating Carla's role will ensure greater access and influence, which will serve to accelerate our ambitions and fuel our on-going transformation."

The news comes after parent company Publicis Groupe in December announced a massive leadership restructuring to address changes in the global communications landscape.

Publicis North America was formed in 2013, when the Publicis Groupe unit combined its U.S. and Canada regions. Publicis Worldwide’s New York location is the agency's largest.