Forsman & Bodenfors appoints James Denton-Clark as global CEO

James Denton-Clark has been appointed as global CEO of Forsman & Bodenfors, the global creative collective within the Stagwell network. 

He will oversee Forsman & Bodenfors' growth across eight offices in seven countries, including London. Helen James, the UK chief executive, will report to Denton-Clark.

James Townsend, CEO of Stagwell EMEA and global CEO of the Stagwell Brand Performance Network, said: “Denton-Clark brings a track record of transformation and growth for his clients and agencies alike.

“I look forward to welcoming him and seeing him take Forsman & Bodenfors, a key brand in our impressive creative portfolio at Stagwell, to the next phase of global growth.”

Denton-Clark succeeds Toby Southgate, who stepped down after three years with the agency. 

In March 2024, Forsman & Bodenfors’ London studio, which opened in September 2023 under Southgate's leadership, merged with CPB London (previously Crispin Porter & Bogusky).

Southgate focused on global collaboration, pulling talent from different regions to work with clients including Volvo, Google, and Procter & Gamble.

Denton-Clark departed from Saatchi & Saatchi in June, where he served as CEO for less than one year. He said he was leaving to pursue a new venture at the time.

He said: “It’s epic to be joining the collective at Forsman & Bodenfors. Their early commitment to culture-first work within a culture-first company has led to them becoming one of the most awarded and transformative agencies in the world. I can’t wait to help the team take it to the next level.”

Denton-Clark's career includes leadership roles at Accenture Song and its predecessor Karmarama, which Accenture bought in 2016, including over a decade as managing director. He previously worked at BMP DDB and BMB.