NEW YORK: Euro RSCG Worldwide has named James R. Heekin as the new president and chief operating officer. He will report to the chairman and chief executive officer of the agency Schmetterer.

In the newly created position, Heekin will be responsible for worldwide operations. Working very closely with Schmetterer, Heekin will focus on executing the global agency's strategy, vision, and growth objectives. He will also direct the continuing rollout of Euro RSCG's Power of One integration strategy and the mission of developing creative business ideas for the agency's clients. These- ideas through brilliant creative thinking aim at transforming business. Based out of Euro RSCG Worldwide in New York, Heekin will assume this position from 1 October.

Schmetterer added, "As we move to transform our global network in this most challenging time for our industry, I am extremely pleased that Jim will join me to lead Euro RSCG Worldwide. His proven ability to foster growth, talent, and ideas adds great strength to our management team. From his work running McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, driving the agency's organic growth and making it a leader in new business gains, to handling successful accounts across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the US, Jim has demonstrated leadership of major global agencies. He also possesses an exceptional reputation among major clients."

Prior to this position, Heekin was the McCann-Erickson WorldGroup and McCann-Erickson Worldwide's chairman and CEO. He had the following remarks to make. Heekin began his advertising career in 1975 in the research department of J. Walter Thompson.