ZenithOptimedia has appointed Karen Halligan, currently national commercial and operations director of Southern Cross Austereo, as managing director of ZO Sydney.
Her appointment comes as COO Andrew Sherman resigns after 14 years with Publicis Groupe to persue opportunities outside of the group.
The move is the first leadership change since Matt James, former Nine's group sales director, took the helm as CEO of ZenithOptimedia. Former CEO Ian Perrin's next move is still unknown.
Matt James, CEO of ZenithOptimedia Australia and New Zealand, said: “Andrew has been a committed, passionate and valuable member of the business and we thank him for his extensive contribution to ZenithOptimedia. With Andrew’s departure it is critical to ensure we continue to have strong leadership in Sydney and I am so pleased to have a highly respected leader like Karen take the helm of our Sydney operation.”
Halligan has 25 years' experience across both media agencies and media owners, which James said will be critical to how he shapes ZO's future direction. She joined SCA a year ago from Bohemia.
“I am really excited to return to a global agency during this time of change and disruption," Halligan said.
"I look forward to working with Matt and the ZenithOptimedia team to help grow the agency and to work with such an exciting client portfolio."
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