WPP's Wunderman has tapped Jamie Gallo as president of its New York office, succeeding Chris Loll, who recently joined IPG MediaBrands as COO.

Mr. Gallo joined the NBA in June 2012 as exec VP-marketing, overseeing brand strategy and communications in the league's top marketing role. Although he reported to Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver, he was part of Commissioner David Stern's regime, having known Mr. Stern for several years before joining the league.

"When I left the agency business I always felt like I'd return to it," Mr. Gallo said. "I spent a long time thinking about what I wanted to do in advertising. This business is broader than when I left it. The timing was right."

He acknowledged that the timing coincided with changes at the NBA. Mr. Stern stepped down in February after 30 years running the league, Mr. Silver was promoted to commissioner and Mr. Gallo departed. He has been consulting for the past few months.

Mr. Silver named former State Farm marketing executive Pam El the NBA's CMO earlier this month. The NBA had not had a CMO since the 1990s.

"When David Stern stepped down, Adam was going to have his view of what he wanted the marketing function to be there," Mr. Gallo said. "David and I worked very closely together. It's a good chance for Adam to take hold."

In his new role, he'll oversee various departments and work closely with clients on brand experience, customer engagement, data and analytics, and World Health offerings. He'll report to Kass Sells, president of Wunderman North America.