The appointment signals Tong Cuong's return to the French advertising industry, where he is a prominent figure. He founded BETC Euro RSCG in 1994. He joins Y&R from EMI France, where he was the company's president.
William Eccleshare, the chairman and chief executive of Y&R EMEA, said: "This is a major coup for Y&R. Eric is an undoubted star of the French industry."