MediaCom has promoted Helen Black and James Sneddon as it looks to strengthen its leadership team after a self-confessed “turbulent” year.
The agency, which has seen a raft of clients and staff leave the business over the last 12 months following the misreporting scandal at the end of last year, is taking steps to stabilise the business. It is expected to announce a new CEO shortly.
Black, who is currently national head of strategy will become chief strategy officer for MediaCom Australia. Sneddon, currently head of the entertainment division (TED), will become managing director of Sydney.
The agency says it has also “redefined” what strategy means within the agency beyond campaign structure and ideation, but to include how to use data, content and channels as strategic assets.
In a statement MediaCom said the appointments will “bring fresh energy, focus and clarity to the agency’s operations both nationally and within its Sydney office”.
Mark Heap, CEO MediaCom APAC and acting CEO MediaCom Australia said: “We’re a young, dynamic, exciting industry, which is going through seismic change with the onset of digital, data and technology. We have injected our Sydney Leadership Team with bright, engaging, passionate leaders who are extremely inspiring and can motivate those around them. These people, along with the rest of the National Leadership Team will help propel our agency forward”.
Black will be responsible for leading the overall strategic product vision and output across Australia, and will join the regional team of key product leaders to shape the future direction of the company across the region.
Sneddon said: “2015 has been a challenging year for MediaCom Australia, it’s been well documented. There has been a lot of change and change creates uncertainty. I have learned more in the last 12 months than at any time in my career. This for me is about moving forward and getting back to what we do best which is challenging our competitors, delighting our clients and developing and inspiring the best talent in the market. I’m genuinely excited about the new dawn and the opportunities ahead for us as a business”
Heap added: “We are thrilled that we, as an agency, can recognise and promote exceptional talent from within. Our leadership team is filled with talented, passionate individuals, whom collectively, have progressive mindsets that will ensure our clients continue to receive world-class work.
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