UM appoints first EMEA president

UM has named Chris Skinner as its new president, EMEA, with a remit to provide brand leadership to the region and develop key strategic talent and client relationships.

The move follows a series of recent global client wins including Spotify, Accenture and Coach. Dubai-based Skinner will move to the agency’s EMEA headquarters in London, reporting into Caroline Foster Kenny, CEO of IPG Mediabrands EMEA, and Daryl Lee, global CEO for UM.

Skinner, who will also take on the role of global managing partner for Coca-Cola, has been part of the IPG Mediabrands network for over 10 years, most recently in the position of regional CEO for UM MENA. Prior to that he spent six years as CEO for IPG Mediabrands Hong Kong.

“Chris has been a huge asset to UM’s operations in the Middle East, so I am thrilled he will be taking on this wider role across the whole of the EMEA region,” Foster Kenny said.

“We are growing fast and Chris’ appointment is the first of several key appointments we are making to further strengthen our senior leadership team across the region. As we continue to develop our offering and embrace a more agile and flexible business model, it is crucial that we have bright, entrepreneurial and pioneering leaders at the helm. Chris fits the bill perfectly.”

Skinner added: “I have always found UM to be unique in the media world – and as we continue to evolve our product to align with the changing media and technology landscape, there’s never been a more exciting time to be here. I’m excited to embark on the new challenge of working in the EMEA region.”