Iain Jacob, Chief Executive Officer of Starcom MediaVest Group EMEA and a member of the Publicis Groupe Media (PGM) Board of Directors, today announced a change in leadership for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that will consolidate the organization’s strength in the market while building on the success of the largest media network in the region.
Matt Blackborn, Chief Executive Officer for PGM MENA, has been promoted to Global Client Services Director for Starcom Mediavest Group, reporting to Renetta McCann, Chief Executive Officer of Starcom MediaVest Group worldwide. In this newly created role, Blackborn will operate out of London, overseeing the company’s strategy for central client management and development of global client assignments, with added responsibility for the leadership of the international client team in London.
Mike Readman, Global Head of Media for Cereal Partners Worldwide and formerly chief operating officer for Universal McCann EMEA, has been named Chairman of PGM MENA. He will oversee the Groupe’s activities across MENA, working with the management team already in place in the region. Readman will be based in Dubai from the end of September.
“Matt has successfully completed his two-year appointment as CEO of our MENA region, fortifying PGM’s leadership position in this important and growing market. We are fortunate that we can now tap his expertise to oversee the development & leadership of global assignments, an increasingly vital role for our company. Matt will be fully empowered to deliver the resources that the clients need around the world and fully accountable to ensure that we are delivering the best talent and resources to every challenge and opportunity.”
Of Readman’s appointment, Iain Jacob said
“Appointing Mike into a PGM Chairman role highlights our commitment to bringing international experience to compliment the strong local leadership that already exists in the MENA region. I am very proud of what our local MENA management have achieved, Mike has a wealth of experience to help that team grow further and we are delighted to have attracted him to the Groupe”.
Blackborn commented on the move:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my assignment in the MENA region and feel confident that I am leaving at a time when the business has achieved significant strength and momentum. Having gained both international and operational experience, it is a natural step to move into a global role inside SMG, and I am excited by the challenge that this new opportunity presents”
Readman commented:
“Having worked in the Middle East a few years ago I am excited by the prospect of returning to the region at a time of such promise and optimism about the industry. I look forward to joining a strong team that has enjoyed great success and building on the momentum that has been achieved under Matt’s leadership.”
About Publicis Groupe Media
Publicis Groupe Media (PGM) is comprised of Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia, and is the world’s second largest media counsel and buying organizations. PGM employs more than 10,200 specialists delivering media management services, internet and digital communications, response media, entertainment marketing, sports sponsorships, event marketing and multicultural media. The Starcom MediaVest Group (www.smvgroup.com) network extends across 110 offices in 67 countries. SMG emphasizes contact innovation and the delivery of Connections that Captivate, evaluated and measured through a suite of ownable approaches, tools, practices and partnerships. ZenithOptimedia (www.zenithoptimedia.com) is a media agency network with 175 offices in 69 countries. Its focus is delivering client return on advertising investment, an approach delivered through a unique system for strategy development and implementation, The ROI Blueprint.
About Starcom MediaVest Group
Ranked one of the largest brand communications groups in the world, Starcom MediaVest Group (www.smvgroup.com) encompasses an integrated network of highly specialized consumer contact companies. SMG's global organization includes strategic marketing communication architects who are highly specialized in media management, response media, internet and digital communications, as well as multicultural, entertainment, gaming, sports, sponsorship, event marketing and media. With nearly 5,800 employees in 110 offices worldwide, SMG delivers brand-building results for many of the world's leading companies. It is part of Paris-based Publicis Groupe S.A.
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe SA (Euronext Paris: : FR0000130577, NYSE: PUB) is the world’s fourth largest communications group, as well as world leader in media counsel and buying. Its activities span 109 countries on six continents. Groupe activities cover advertising, through three autonomous global advertising networks: Leo Burnett Worldwide, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide, as well as through its two multi-hub networks Fallon Worldwide and Bartle Bogle Hegarty, 49%-owned ; media counsel and buying through two worldwide networks Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; marketing services and specialized communications including direct marketing, public relations, corporate and financial communications, multicultural and healthcare communications.
Web sites: www.publicis.com and www.finance.publicis.com
