Mediaedge:cia president Bruce Grondin announced his retirement today. He’ll be leaving the media agency effective May 31. Bruce Neve, SVP managing director, will assume the role of president on June 1.

Grondin has worked in the Canadian media scene for over 35 years and assumed his current responsibilities in 1998. He was named Media Director of the Year in 2001. Neve has been in the media business for over 20 years and has worked on categories including beer, automotive, retail telecommunications, entertainment and travel/tourism. He was part of the team that launched Mediaedge:cia in Canada and helped grow billings by over 300% over the past decade.

‘It’s been my privilege to work with the dynamic team here at Mediaedge:cia and with a stellar roster of clients,’ says Grondin. ‘We have accomplished a great deal since launching Mediaedge:cia a decade ago. I know I am leaving the agency with strong leadership in place.’

Neve adds he’s excited to continue with the agency’s strong momentum in 2008 and beyond. ‘Under Bruce Grondin’s leadership Mediaedge:cia has become a leader in communications planning, media planning and buying, digital and direct interaction as well as sport, entertainment and cause partnerships.’

Mediaedge:cia CEO North America Lee Doyle says Grondin’s retirement is well-deserved after years of dedication to the agency and its clients. ‘The Bruces, as they are known in the industry, have worked together for 20 years, and it will be a seamless transition as Bruce Neve assumes the leadership of the agency,’ says Doyle. ‘Bruce has always championed creative and innovative solutions to communication planning, and stays on top of emerging technologies and their impact on the consumer and the media landscape.’

The company’s key Canadian clients include Ford, Mazda, Molson, Cara Foods and Wyeth.