As part of a merger with Quebec creative shop, Bleublancrouge, DDB Canada has now unveiled its new Montreal location called, if you can believe it, DDB Canada Montreal. Current client roster at the new entity includes the likes of  AutoTrader, McDonald’s Canada Digital and Manulife Financial. From what we’ve been told, Existing Bleublancrouge clients will continue to be served independently, under its current company banner, but will now also benefit from added expertise from DDB resources.”

Regarding the merger, David Leonard, who was bumped up to president/COO two years ago, says in a statement, “This strategic alliance gives both of our agencies a competitive advantage as we will be able to deliver outstanding culture-driven creative and offer market-focused solutions for our clients. Through DDB Canada Montreal, we can now better serve the unique needs of national clients who require dedicated Quebec-specific programming.”

We’ve been told at present time that there are seven staff members in the aforementioned office and at present, DDB Canada Montreal will handle marketing communications in Quebec for the aforementioned clients.

DDB Canada’s CEO/COO David Leonard announced that Lance Saunders has been appointed EVP, managing director of the agency’s Vancouver office.

Saunders arrives from Minneapolis-based shop Campbell Mithun, where he worked as executive vice president, director of strategic planning. Prior to that, Saunders was at Leo Burnett in Toronto for 22 years (!), where he last served as SVP, managing partner, planning director. Now that’s what you call tenure.

Leonard says in a statement, “After an extensive international search, we believe Lance is the ideal choice to bolster the agency’s strategic planning expertise and lead our Vancouver operation, his innovative thinking and drive to uncover insights that inspire breakthrough ideas will significantly increase our muscle in strategic planning.”

In his new role, Saunders will be responsible for people development, creative product and new business development as well as providing his strategic planning expertise to many top brands across several categories, including tourism, packaged goods, retail, financial services, beverage and telecommunications.