Novellone will be based in Warsaw and will become a member of the agency's Global Leadership Council.
He is a 16-year Burnett veteran, with experience in leading both accounts and operations.
Prior to being named managing director of Leo Burnett Milan in 2001, he led the agency's Fiat business in Europe for nine years.
Novellone moved to Leo Burnett Brazil in 1997 and led the Fiat business in Latin America. He returned to Italy in 1999 as managing director of LB Rome, where he was until he moved to Milan two years later.
He takes over from Jarek Ziebinski, who will now lead the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China.
Ziebinski's move was announced in March as part of a series of changes within the agency.
As part of those moves, Michelle Kristula-Green, the former Asia-Pacific lead, became the global head of HR and Patrick Venetucci, the former global head of HR, stepped into the newly created deputy chief operating officer role.
Tom Bernardin, Leo Burnett Worldwide chairman and chief executive, said: "Nicola's record speaks for itself.
During his eight year tenure in Milan, he established LB Italy as the fastest growing and most creative agency in Italy.
"Simultaneously, he played a critical role in helping us win significant pieces of new business in other markets, like Dubai and Russia. I have every faith that he'll bring his Midas touch to CEE."
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