Horizon Media Canada has hired as Karrie Werny as director, business solutions, the agency’s first appointment in its recently announced Edmonton office.

She reports to Sheri Rogers, SVP, business solutions in Toronto. Werny’s hire is part of Horizon’s expansion and opening of an Edmonton office that it announced last November, followed by the appointment of the agency as AOR for Alberta Blue Cross.

Werny has worked at several agencies in Canada on brands such as RBC, Bayer Crop Science, General Motors, and Imperial Oil. She joins Horizon after more than six years in media director and strategist positions at ZGM Modern Marketing Partners in Calgary. Previously she held senior media planner/buyer posts at Calgary agencies MacLaren McCann and TAG Advertising.

In Toronto, Horizon has hired Simon Ross as the new VP of digital acceleration, reporting to Kevin Kivi, Horizon’s EVP and general manager. Ross moved to Canada three years ago to work on the McDonald’s Canada account with OMD Canada. In the U.K., Ross worked at London agencies Hearts & Science, Rocket, and Manning Gottlieb OMD in various digital director positions. His mandate at Horizon is to bring his global outlook as he helps to grow the agency’s digital capabilities.

“Both Simon and Karrie add to our bench strength.  Karrie’s western Canada roots will help us better serve current and new western Canadian clients as we ramp up our operations outside of Toronto. Additionally, Karrie understands the importance of conveying a brand’s relevance and relatability to connect with an audience.” says Kivi.

Both Werny and Ross will be part of the Horizon Media Canada leadership team responsible for driving the agency’s strategic agenda and long-term footprint in the Canadian marketplace.