After resigning from GroupM Australia for "new opportunities", one of Australia's leading media buyers, Seb Rennie, has resurfaced in a top job based in Toronto.
As chief investment officer for GroupM Canada, Rennie will oversee all aspects of media investment, including trading and partnerships, on behalf of its agencies Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker and m/SIX.
News of the Sydney-based chief investment officer surfaced in November 2017, with Rennie telling AdNews at the time he wanted to pursue "new opportunities"
Rennie, who has been with GroupM for 11 years, was in the post for two-and-a-half years, replacing Danny Bass who left GroupM to become the chief executive of rival IPG Mediabrands Australia.
Rennie will also join the GroupM Canada Executive Committee, reporting to Stuart Garvie, CEO of GroupM Canada, who was named to his role in September last year to spearhead transformation and expansive growth in Canada.
“I’m excited to be joining GroupM Canada and look forward to collaborating with Stuart and our agencies and media partners to drive outcomes which help our clients achieve their business objectives. I’d also like to thank my friends and colleagues at GroupM Australia for a great 11 years," Rennie says.
Since announcing his departure Rennie has worked with his successor Nicola Lewis, former Mindshare Australia CIO, on a handover.
GroupM Australia CEO Mark Lollback says: “Seb is a smart and talented operator and he has made a very positive and significant contribution to GroupM Australia and all of our agencies.
"I thank him for his hard work. Our loss is Canada’s gain. We’re glad Seb is staying within the GroupM family and we wish him and his family well in their next adventure in Canada.”
Garvie says Sebastian has a "stellar track record" which has made him a name on the global stage.
"The media business is going through rapid transformation, creating opportunity and challenge," Garvie says.
"Experience and ingenuity creating strategic client advantage is more important than ever, as is collaborating with media partners to create rewarding business opportunities. This is what Rennie will deliver to our team in Canada.”
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