-MEC hired Mindshare alums John Baker and Jill Brady as managing partner, regional media director, Latin America and media & engagement planning director, North America, respectively.  Both executives will work in Red Fuse Communications, an integrated WPP unit created to service Colgate globally.

-Grey New York has partnered with RED Distribution, ‘stache media, Awe & The Abyss, and YouCare to throw a benefit show for Hurricane Sandy relief. The event, which will feature  Joan Osbourne, Ari Hest, Nicole Atkins, Alberta Cross and others, will take place at City Winery on Dec. 18. Ticket info here.

-KBS+ CD Rob Collignon, with the help of some fellow agency creatives, offers up a little virtual mistletoe makeout to get us in the holiday spirit (above). link

-Bi-coastal production house Bajibot wishes you  “happy e*fing holidays” via a Facebook-based app/AR game. link

-Suzanne Grimes will take the helm as president/COO of Clear Channel Outdoor Americas effective Jan 1. link

-W+K, Droga5 and AKQA were Adweek’s picks as Global Agency of the Year, U.S. AOTY and Digital AOTY, respectively. link; link; link

-Global prodco Hungry Man signed director Ric Cantor to its roster for exclusive representation.

-Venice, CA prodco Backyard, meanwhile, has signed a former JWT New York agency producer simply known as Xander to its roster. link

-New York-based music/sound design company Butter added composer Joel Dean and associate producer Annick Mayer to its roster. link