LONDON—Ogilvy PR has elevated Michael Frohlich to CEO of its EMEA region, nine months after his promotion to regional COO paved the way for this latest move.

Frohlich, who joined Ogilvy PR to head the UK in early 2012, is charged with creating a new five-year plan for the firm in EMEA, following rapid recent growth.

Frohlich will continue to report to Stuart Smith, who became global CEO of Ogilvy PR one year ago. He will retain his UK CEO role for the time being, but it is understood that a search is underway for his successor.

 "We’re relevant now — Michael’s job is to put that beyond doubt and make us a strong competitor to the stronger EMEA agencies. He’s absolutely the right guy to do it," said Smith. "Under his leadership we have transformed into a modern, earned media operation that is a highly creative, social-by-design with content totally at the center of our offer."

Under Frohlich's leadership, Ogilvy PR was named UK Consultancy of the Year by the Holmes Report in 2015.

"I thank Stuart for the successful partnership we enjoy and am excited to embrace the opportunity to continue growing our people, brand and business in the EAME region at the service of our clients,” said Frohlich.

In addition to the UK, Ogilvy PR's growth in EMEA has been powered by new operations in South Africa and Kenya, along with the integration of the Memac Ogilvy PR network in the Middle East.