Hugh Dow moves to chair of M2 Universal agency

There's a subtle, but meaningful shift in one of Canada's largest ad agencies as the ubiquitous Hugh Dow moves up from president to chairman of M2 Universal to be succeeded by Sara Hill. Dow has been a senior statesman in the ad community that befits his 34 year career, the last 18 of which he has headed M2Universal (originally called Initiative and, before that MacLaren Advertising).

According to a story in Media in Canada, Hill has held a number of increasingly senior positions at M2, most recently as SVP/MD, overseeing the company's General Motors account. She started her media career at MacLaren Advertising in 1979.

"Hugh Dow has provided exceptional leadership of our Canadian operation for over 34 years," comments Nick Brien, worldwide CEO of parent company Universal McCann. "M2 Universal is truly world-class in its approach to innovative communications. I am confident that Sara Hill will be able to continue the momentum and industry profile that have been so important to M2 Universal's success."

Adds Dow: "My global responsibilities will continue to provide an entirely new dimension to our Canadian approach to business. I've worked closely with Sara Hill for close to 30 years, and I can't think of anyone better to be entrusted with leading M2 Universal."

Hill says she is "very excited about my new role as president, and confident the transition will be seamless. The support I've received from colleagues and clients is inspiring. M2 Universal is an exceptional company, and I feel privileged to be able to lead such a strong team of professionals into the future."