Cribbed from a press release from this afternoon:

"Chris Foster has been named CEO, Fallon North America. Mr. Foster will have operational responsibility for Fallon's headquarter operations based in Minneapolis. He begins the new gig on April 1.

Chris is joining Fallon from Saatchi & Saatchi NY where has been the Executive Vice President, Global Equity Director heading up the global business for P&G's laundry and home care business. Previously he was CEO for Saatchi & Saatchi's offices in Japan and Hong Kong. He is a Canadian and started is career in Toronto working for Bozell Worldwide, Leo Burnett, and FCB."

Now we all know that Fallon Minneapolis has had multiple issues in regard to a variety of problems over the past few months -- losing out on the Microsoft gig (that went to CP+B); the client departures -- including BMW of North America, Lee Jeans and Citi, representing more than $250 million in billings; the hirings (and quick firings) of ECDs Paul Silburn from TWBA London & Kerry Feuerman from Leo Burnett --both who lasted less than a year in the post each time.

The best/worst contrast is the growth and development of Fallon's London location -- which is kicking major ass these days with the Cadbury "Gorilla" ads, the Sony Bravia & Walkman campaigns and the Skoda "Cake" work. Billings are up 150% and they are on fire...

Seems Chris has a bit of work to live up to the other locations... good luck to him!