GroupM makes a big global hire
WPP’s GroupM has hired a new global head of trading. Marc Bignell is tasked with developing new trading solutions for advertisers. He will report directly to chief investment officer Nick Theakstone. Bignell has worked in media for nearly 30 years; his most recent role was chief commercial officer at Miroma (a private company which owns and operates companies with a media and tech focus). He’s also held senior roles with Yahoo and Omnicom Media Group.
Snap bolsters ad team
Snap has added two new account managers and a creative specialist to its ad team in Canada. Vince Wojtaszynski joins the company from Oath, where he spent two years concentrating on partnerships and acquisitions with the Millennial Media, Microsoft and Yahoo divisions. In addition to his role as an account manager, he will work as a community manager with Snap. Another account manager, Jenny Diemer, is a recent graduate from UBC’s Sauder School of Business, but has already worked in introductory roles with NHL Canucks Sports and Entertainment and Labatt Breweries of Canada. Finally, Tessa Yin, a fellow Sauder graduate, has joined as a creative specialist. Previous brand work includes Canadian Tire’s “Tested for Life” platform.
Twitter adds to research department
Maggie Chen has joined Twitter’s research team and will focus on gathering and analyzing information on various markets, user trends and consumption. She’ll report to head of research Alyson Gausby, who came on two years ago as the company looked to gather more insights and intel for brands. Chen’s research background overlaps with a marketing background; she spent three years analyzing research and managing accounts with Ipsos before working as a marketing manager for Ecotagious.
Camden staffs up account team
Indie agency Camden, which works in both the media and creative sector, has added a number of new team members, including several in the account and client services departments. Valérie Fleury has joined as account director while Gabrielle Chartrand has been added to client services. Yara El-Soueidi will work as a social media strategist on the digital team, and Naima Benbrick will work as a digital manager. Recent wins for Camden include cosmetics brand Clarins Canada and optical manufacturer Essilor.
Corus adds to Francophone team
Julie Godon has become Corus’ new executive director of Francophone specialty channels. She’s been with the company since 2016, previously serving as director of marketing and digital. Francophone specialty networks for Corus include Séries+ and Historia, for which Godon has been charged with growing market shares and developing new digital strategies.
Roger Ashby to go out with a bang
Bell Media will see one of its most well-known radio talents step down. Roger Ashby, longtime morning host of CHUM 104.5, will retire after 50 years with the station. He will remain in his post until early December, and will mark his departure with a final broadcast from the Sheradon Centre Grand Ballroom in Toronto on Dec. 5. High-profile guests for the special broadcasts have yet to be announced. The show will continue on with Marilyn Denis and Jamar McNeil as hosts.
Want to share the latest moves at your agency or company? Submit to mictips@brunico.com
