The winds of change are blowing through ZenithOptimedia this month, as the agency announces four promotions in its executive suites.
The changes come following the recent retirement of Debbie King, executive VP and COO, who worked closely with president and CEO Sunni Boot. ZenithOptimedia exec Ruth Klostermann will step into King’s place as Boot’s partner with the title senior vice president, strategic resources and new business development, ZenithOptimedia. Klostermann’s former title was VP, strategic resources.
Former SVP/GM Julie Myers has also been promoted into a new role of president of the agency’s Zenith division, which is the agency’s largest and home to 75% of its billings, Boot says. ‘Julie personifies our ROI culture, she’s a great leader, her people love her and her clients respect her.’
And with upfronts season approaching, ZenithOptimedia broadcast exec Florence Ng also has a new title to celebrate, one that better reflects the changing broadcast and video environment of today’s mediascape, Boot says. Formerly VP broadcast investments, Ng’s new title is president, video investments, and her expanded role includes oversight of multi-platform video and bringing a more traditional approach to the digital sphere.
‘I don’t think there’s a big secret that television and even radio have morphed way beyond their platform and that we’re seeing far more multi-platform video content. And what we’ve felt for some time is that specific execution can benefit from the rigour and discipline that define traditional broadcast buying,’ Boot explains.
‘The deals that we’re crafting include content deals that are across multi-platforms, but what binds them all is video content. That’s the common denominator. And [our broadcast buyers] really know how to value media – they know how to value video content.’
The fourth promotion announced today is former ZenithOptimedia account director Lisa Kahn, who arrived at the agency in 2007. (Kahn was previously with MBS and OMD, respectively.) Kahn’s new title is vice president, group director, Optimedia and her appointment was made in recognition of her keen work ethic during the tough, cost-cutting months of 2009, Boot says. ‘She has been a wonderful addition to our team.’
Overall, Boot says, the changes have meant ‘good internal growth’ for the agency and a formal recognition of many years of hard work by senior execs Ng, Myers and Klostermann.
‘These titles, in my mind, more formally acknowledge their contributions and expertise,’ Boot says. ‘And what I like about it is the continuity and consistency…it gives uninterrupted client servicing, uninterrupted media relations and it really maintains our office culture, which I believe to be very important.’
This article was updated at 11:50 to correct Lisa Kahn’s year of hire at ZenithOptimedia. She arrived at the agency at 2007, not 2009 as previously reported.
