In appointing veteran media specialist Lauren Richards CEO of Starcom MediaVest Group Canada today, Chicago-headquartered parent company Starcom MediaVest Group clearly signaled an intention to boost its focus on media integration.
‘Integration is paramount for any successful company or product and innovation in media is definitely one of my big beliefs,’ Richards told Media in Canada. ‘I’m so glad we’re now in the days of seeing media working more closely side by side with the creative people and the account people, and having more confidence in ourselves (to be) fully at the table as part of the team.’
Prior to officially settling into her new office within the Leo Burnett agency on July 31, Richards was senior VP/national media director of Cossette Media for 18 years until resigning last September. At Starcom, she succeeds Patrick Walshe, who left this week after a stint of about two and a half years.
Leo Burnett president David Moore says he is ‘very excited about partnering with Lauren because I know her track record and I know the passions she has are all about media innovation. I think she will be a great leader and one who’s going to partner very successfully with Leo Burnett.’
