Stagwell announcing a global hub in London and the appointment of James Townsend as the company's inaugural CEO of EMEA. Stagwell's London office, set to open in late January 2024 within the Blue Fin Building in South Bank. James Townsend, currently the global CEO of Assembly and Stagwell's Brand Performance Network, will assume the role of CEO at Stagwell EMEA, effective 1 January 2024.

In the position, Townsend will support the growth of Stagwell's 16 agency brands in the region. At the same time, he will continue to lead Stagwell's Brand Performance Network, a group of leading creative, media, and commerce agencies offering connected solutions to marketers. As part of this transition, James Townsend will be stepping down from his role at Assembly, with Rick Acampora, currently Chief Operating Officer, taking over as Global CEO of Assembly effective immediately.