Now-ex MediaCom CEO Mark Pejic is heading down to Melbourne to head up IPG Mediabrands' local arm in a sign that IPG is increasing its focus on the Melbourne market.
Described by IPG as “one of the most visible executives in the Australian media industry”, IPG Mediabrands global CEO Henry Tajer said Pejic would turbo-charge its Melbourne fortunes.
“We are stepping up our plans for growth in the Melbourne market and Mark Pejic undoubtedly has the media skills and leadership qualities to ensure those plans become a reality,” Tajer said.
“Mark has the right qualities to partner with our senior Melbourne-based clients, lead our diverse skill sets and make a strong contribution to the senior leadership of IPG Mediabrands nationally.”
IPG Mediabrands’ operations in Melbourne consist of teams from media agencies UM and Initiative, search agency Reprise, social specialist Society, creative, sponsorship and activations specialist Ensemble, intelligence and investment specialist Magna Global, research and analytics business Anomaly, mobile communications agency Mnet and digital programmatic agency Cadreon.
Current managing director of IPG Mediabrands Melbourne Peter Butler will continue in the role this year to ensure a smooth transition, and will step back to a consulting role in 2016.
Pejic said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"I am absolutely excited to be joining Mediabrands in the capacity of chairman, Melbourne. I look forward to working with their many talented people and clients in my home town,” Pejic said.
“I have long admired the investment that they continue to make in their people and businesses, which are creating first class results in all areas. It’s a great time to be joining the Mediabrands family"
Just three days ago GroupM announced Pejic would be leaving MediaCom to explore other opportunities.
Pejic had been with MediaCom since the agency’s formation in 2004 following a merger with Zenith Media, where he was MD.
He began his career at JWT in 1989 and spent nine years in various media positions at the agency before moving to George Patterson Bates and then Zenith Media.
He took up the reins as MediaCom CEO in 2012 after a three-year stint as COO.
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