Bell is New European Leader for Hall & Partners

Gaby Bell, formerly Chief Strategy Officer at ad agency M&C Saatchi, has been appointed as European CEO of Hall & Partners.

Bell left M&C six months ago saying only that she would work on 'an exciting new venture' - known as an ad research specialist, Hall & Partners is aiming to transition to a strategic brand consultancy. Bell spent four years at the ad firm, after five at Draftfcb, and earlier in her career worked at JWT, Unilever, IPC Media and Hicklin Slade and Partners.

Bell, who will be based in Hall & Partners' London office and report to Global CEO Vanella Jackson, who also held the European CEO role before being promoted in 2008. Jackson says the new recruit continues a company tradition of 'bringing [in] smart advertising agency planners', and adds 'I am confident that she will make a huge impact at Hall & Partners, unlocking new opportunities for our people and clients, helping brands to grow and co-invent the future'.

The firm is online at www.hallandpartners.com .