HAMBURG – Golin has formed a joint venture with fellow IPG agency GGH MullenLowe in Germany to expand into the German market. 

Golin is launching its brand in Hamburg under the leadership of Uta Behnke, newly appointed managing director of Golin Germany. She is charged with overseeing and growing the agency – including opening a second office in Munich this summer. She will report to Matt Neale, president international, Golin and Benedikt Holtappels, CEO GGH MullenLowe. 

"The integrated approach answers our clients’ questions of how companies and brands can earn both attention and credibility,” said Behnke. 

“This joint venture with GGH MullenLowe allows us to deliver g4 from the beginning,” said Neale, referencing Golin's initiative that divides staffers into four groups: strategists, creatives, connectors and catalysts. “From day one, we will serve our clients with world-class German creative and planning talent. Launching Golin in Europe’s biggest economy is an important step in our ambition to be the defining agency of this decade.”

Behnke began her career at Edelman and since 2009, she served as managing director of their Hamburg office. Her clients included Unilever, Mondelez, Bacardi, Shell, iglo and Beck's.