Dina Howell named CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi X

"I'm thrilled to welcome Dina into our organisation," says Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi. "She is a renowned pioneer in the field of shopper marketing, helping to make it the fastest-growing discipline in marketing today."

Roberts says planning for the transition to a "post-founder era" had been underway since April. He commended Andy Murray as a marketing thoughtleader and passionate believer in both the science and the art of turning shoppers into buyers. "Andy is an entrepreneur who founded his own company and for the last seven years has led Saatchi & Saatchi X into a powerhouse position in shopper marketing both in the U.S. and globally."

Demand for Saatchi & Saatchi X's expertise has been very strong, says Roberts, as both marketers and retailers seek to touch shoppers with compelling ideas and information. "Dina's appointment comes at a time when we are seeing tremendous opportunities to meet the needs of brands, retailers, and shoppers in a changed economic world."

Fills position immediately

Dina Howell commences in the position immediately. She says "I am passionate and convinced about the ability of great shopper marketing to grow any brand or business. I have been a client of Saatchi & Saatchi X for many years and I have enormous respect for their culture, insights, ideas, and creative solutions."

Andy Murray says, "My dream was to build a great agency that inspires clients with great work and I've been fortunate to see that dream fulfilled with an incredible team of committed people at Saatchi & Saatchi X. Dina uniquely has the experience and vision to take the company to greater heights."

CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi X Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, Simon Hathaway, said, "Dina Howell's wealth of experience solidifies our position as the only worldwide network dedicated to shopper marketing. We enthusiastically welcome her to Saatchi & Saatchi X to build on the pioneering work of our founder Andy Murray."