McCann Worldgroup has named industry veteran Stephanie Nerlich as its global president.

Nerlich takes on the newly created role with a mandate to partner with the regional presidents within McCann Worldgroup to drive business growth for the company. She will focus heaviest on expanding the network’s capabilities in global markets. As part of the company’s new leadership structure, she will also hold a dual role that sees her tasked with leading on McCann’s Verizon business in the U.S. She will report to global CEO Daryl Lee.

“Stephanie is a powerhouse in our industry. Her career is a masterclass in the business of creativity, with equal emphasis on both,” said Lee, in a release. “She is a champion of creativity with the unmatched ability to bring the right teams together for clients, simultaneously driving business growth and fueling brand innovation.”

Nerlich has worked for the past nearly four years at Havas, most recently as its chief executive officer for North America and global chief client officer for Havas Creative Group. Under her stewardship, Havas saw its best-ever showings at Cannes and the Effies, and saw considerable business growth. She also brings experience from senior global executive roles at MDC Partners, as well as Grey, Lowe Roche and BBDO in Canada.

“It’s rare that an opportunity with such a celebrated agency comes along, particularly one that can deliver industry-leading creativity that solves business problems for such an enviable roster of clients,” Nerlich says of her new role. “I look forward to joining Daryl  [Lee] and the entire McCann Worldgroup leadership team helping to drive our next chapter.”