At the helm of Google's
'lab of innovation'

Co-President Andy Berndt of Ogilvy & Mather, New York, has left the agency in order to help launch a new global initiative for Google, reports Advertising Age.

The prospective "lab for innovation," as it is pegged by some executives privy to Berndt's plans, is geared toward collaboration amongst marketers, agencies and entertainment companies.

Google's move stirs dormant worries that the online advertising and search engine giant may try its hand at improving creative agencies.

Berndt has served as co-president of Ogilvy & Mather since last May. He joined the agency as a copywriter in 1999.