Publicis’ Digitas UK has poached Dentsu Merkle’s UK and Ireland CEO Anne Stagg, to be its own new chief executive. She will take up her new role in the summer.

Stagg will be tasked with helping to accelerate the agency’s growth and to deliver a positive impact for its clients. She will report into EMEA CEO Sam Hawkey.

“When we started this process, I said, ‘We need to find an Anne Stagg,’ and I’m delighted to say we got the real thing. Anne is one of the most innovative and established digital leaders in the UK and her successes speak for themselves,” said Hawkey.

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“As Digitas looks to continue to lead the way in customer experience, Anne is the perfect person to lead our dynamic mix of talents to deliver a lasting positive impact on our clients’ businesses.”

Stagg initially joined Dentsu’s Merkle in 2019 in the vice-president of client services role. She also spent time at Indicia and KMMS in senior management roles earlier in her career.

Stagg added: “Taking on this role at Digitas is an incredible opportunity. It’s clear the team has created something special, making significant commercial and cultural impact over the last year for a portfolio of clients.

“I’m looking forward building on their success and helping drive the next chapter of growth in partnership with our clients.”