UM ANZ has revealed plans to "evolve its senior leadership team and accelerate its media counsel", with the creation of a new role within the agency, head of next, AdNews can reveal.
The role, which will be filled by current UM national connections design director Tobias Young, is designed to provide clients with a future-focused strategy when it comes to overall long-term plans and directions.
UM ANZ CEO Fiona Johnston says media will continue to evolve at speed and UM's response on behalf of clients is to bring them the "strongest people to assist in future plans and decisions".
"This new role gives Toby the space, and us the rigour, to ensure that we are always thinking about the now and next for our clients," she says.
"He will work across the business nationally and rotate amongst all areas, supporting the GMs and our clients to define true value and matching it with simple solutions in counsel for them. I am delighted to create this position for Toby in recognition of a unique talent.”
Commenting on his new position, Young, who has worked at UM for more than nine years, says too often, agencies and clients are caught in the "urgency of every day" and don’t give time to think about "what we can do better".
"As Head of Next I will be working closely with our clients to define what ‘better’ means and what we need to do as a team to stay ahead, be it in craft, culture or casting," Young says.
"After many years at UM, I am passionate about this opportunity to create tangible change that affects our entire product and drives client outcomes.”
Yesterday it was announced the UM had retained the $20 million media account for discount department store Kmart, continuing to build upon the strong last 18 months for the agency.
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