-Merkle hired Razorfish vet Patrick Hounsell as its first chief digital officer.

-Saatchi & Saatchi launched the SaatchiNow website, which is being curated by the agency’s worldwide digital CD Tom Eslinger and his team in London (above). link

-McKinney promoted Jim Russell to partner/chief innovation officer.

-Big Spaceship boss Michael Lebowitz was named the new chair of the IAB Agency Advisory Board.

-Chiat LA alum Jimmy Smith, who was GCD on Gatorade “Replay” of course, has launched and IPG co-venture dubbed Amusement Park. link