Since we've been subjected to news about layoffs, lost accounts and significant losses over the past week, let's force a smile and flip things around for a minute to see how the brighter side of the advertising world turns. So put the violins away for a sec and take a look at some of the more notable agency hires in recent days:

-Beattie McGuinness Bungay hired WeAreGigantic ECD/co-founder Neil Powell as creative director.

-Global agency The Brand Union named Richard Bates CCO of North America.

-Isaac Mizrahi (no, not that one it looks like) was named managing director of Alma DDB.

-Ex-Nitro MD Kate Howe was named president of DraftFCB, London.

-BBDO, New York hired W+K alum Andy Bhatt as head of interactive production.

-D&AD appointed Tim O'Kennedy, former W+K Amsterdam managing director, as chief executive.

-The Interactive Advertising Bureau elected 24/7 Real Media founder David Moore as chairman of its board.

More: "Gary Scheiner Joins Rosetta as Chief Creative Officer"