Isobar Parent Aegis Gets New CEO

U.K.-based Aegis Group, the parent of interactive marketing unit Isobar, has named Robert Lerwill as its new CEO. Lerwill replaces Doug Flynn, who is leaving to join business services firm Rentokil Initial. The changeover will happen in late March.

Lerwill has been a non-executive director of Aegis’ board since 2000. His previous positions include chief executive of Cable & Wireless’ regional division and group finance director at WPP Group. He’s also a non-executive director of British American Tobacco.

“Robert has extensive experience of the media world, both internationally and in the U.K. — key credentials to his appointment,” said Colin Sharman, chairman of Aegis, in a statement.

Former CEO Flynn is leaving the media business altogether. He will head up Rentokil Initial, which provides a variety of services to businesses, including pest control, security, and facilities management.

Aegis has, in recent months, become a force to contend with in online media, making several high-profile acquisitions for its Isobar division. Most recently, it acquired Swedish creative agency FarFar and U.K. player de-construct. The agency group also recently acquired U.S. search engine marketing firm iProspect. Its creative assets in the U.S. include Lot 21, now rolled into Carat Interactive, and Isobar unit Freestyle Interactive.