BRUSSELS — APCO has promoted Claire Boussagol to chairman of its European operations, three years after she took charge of the firm's Brussels office.

In addition, the independent agency has hired Nicolas Castex from Citigate to lead France, following the departure of previous MD Nicolas Bouvier to Brunswick in December.

Boussagol, who retains leadership of Brussels, will be responsible for driving collaboration and business development between APCO’s offices across the region, reporting to global CEO Brad Staples.

"Claire’s determined and focused leadership of APCO’s Brussels operations over the past three and a half years has seen our business grow significantly in that market," said Staples. "This builds on the great success she accomplished earlier in her career as our managing director in Paris."

Castex, who has led Citigate’s Paris office since he founded it in 2004, takes on responsibility for APCO's offices in Paris and Lyon. "He brings outstanding experience of advising international brands in the French market and he will also strengthen our growing financial communication practice in Europe," said Boussagol.

Bouvier joined Brunswick as a partner in Paris, after six years with APCO.