Maisie McCabe
Dec 07, 2013

ZenithOptimedia to launch new global network in 2014

Publicis Groupe has confirmed that it will be launching a new network next year under the ZenithOptimedia media group.

ZenithOptimedia to launch new global network in 2014
ZenithOptimedia has promoted Sébastien Danet, the president of ZenithOptimedia France and chairman of VivaKi France, to the additional role of chairman of the new sub-network containing Walker Media.
 
The network will launch in the first quarter of 2014. It does not yet have a name, although it has been known internally as Project Blue.
 
Phil Georgiadis will continue in his role as chairman of Walker Media and Simon Davis will remain its chief executive. However, both men will work with Danet, who has also become a global managing partner of ZenithOptimedia, on the roll-out of the new network.
 
Georgiadis will now report to Steve King, the global chief executive of ZenithOptimedia, and Davis will continue to report to Georgiadis.
 
In the UK, the name of the network is likely to have the suffix "powered by Walker Media". Walker Media will continue to work with current clients and will not pool their spend with ZenithOptimedia clients in the UK.
 
The network will have a focus on specific categories, including retail, automotive and pharmaceuticals. It will be built from existing ZenithOptimedia businesses, acquisitions and launches.
 
King said the new structure would help ZenithOptimedia build on its "fantastic" growth over the past eight years, resolve conflict issues and reach growth targets agreed with Maurice Lévy, the chief executive of ZenithOptimedia’s parent, Publicis Groupe.
 
The network will initially open offices in Europe and the US, but King hopes to expand it to Asia.
 
Last Thursday (28 November), Publicis confirmed it had bought 75.1 per cent of Walker Media from M&C Saatchi for £36 million.
 
This story first appeared on Campaign UK. 
Source:
Campaign India

Related Articles

Just Published

3 hours ago

Itch you can’t ignore: Sebamed scratches at the truth

Its latest campaign takes a cheeky swipe at anti-dandruff clichés, spotlighting how itch—not just flakes—disrupts everyday moments.

7 hours ago

Not every Cannes Lion roars in real life

Amid Cannes backlash, a creative reckoning unfolds. Famous Innovations’ founder and chief creative officer wonders, where do bold ideas end and brand accountability begin in awards season?

9 hours ago

Cannes Lions tightens reins as AI blurs boundaries

After revoked wins and synthetic scandals, Cannes Lions introduces new integrity rules to verify claims and rein in AI misuse.

9 hours ago

Cultural ‘Tadka’ drives India’s most effective ads ...

Kantar’s Creative Effectiveness Awards show that when brands serve emotion with local flavour, consumers don’t just notice—they respond.