MUMBAI: Two top level executives have new roles to play at the Interpublic Group. Steve Gatfield will take over from Tony Wright as the CEO of Lowe Worldwide. However, Wright will remain with the agency in the capacity of chairman and will report to Gatfield, who was previously an executive vice president of Interpublic Group in charge of global communications.

Gatfield will report to Interpublic chairman and CEO Michael I. Roth. Both executives will assume their new roles effective in March.

Said Roth, "We've been consistent and clear in stating that we must have a premier creative resource in our portfolio - a space in which Lowe does and should continue to excel. In just a year, Tony has made significant strides in sharpening the agency's product."

" Steve brings a unique set of skills to his new post. He is a strategist and innovator who understands where marketing communications is headed and he's proven that he can manage both creative agencies and global networks. He will partner with Tony to further develop the Lowe offering and focus the company. Steve will also remain Interpublic's executive vice president, network operations. His in-depth knowledge of international markets, particularly in Asia, makes him the right choice to continue leading our initiatives in the key growth BRIC markets," added Roth.

"Recent successes, such as wins at Nokia and on a number of Unilever oral care brands, show that we are heading in the right direction. Steve's arrival will help us accelerate our development and ensure that we can deliver the kind of integrated solutions our clients are increasingly demanding from their agency partners," added Wright.