UM appoints UK CEO

IPG Mediabrands agency UM has appointed Rachel Forde to the newly created role of UK CEO.

Forde will report to Caroline Foster Kenny, CEO of IPG Mediabrands EMEA, and Chris Skinner, UM EMEA president, and has previously held senior positions at ZenithOptimedia and StarcomMediavest.

At SMG, she was MD of the P&G United division, looking after Publicis Group’s largest UK client, before bringing together Spark and Mediavest, overseeing its rebrand to Spark Foundry.

“Rachel is one of the most respected leading lights in media, she has an entrepreneurial spirit and brings a special energy that aligns with UM’s business ethos,” said Foster Kenny.

“She’s got a keen eye on the future, and we are really excited about the impact she will have on our clients’ businesses as well as the agency as a whole.”

Forde added: “I’ve always enjoyed working with disruptive businesses and UM certainly promises to play to this agenda. I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my career leading the excellent team at UMUM really does feel like a natural fit for me, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in!”

Forde joins UM in July. She picks up from Russell Place, who has stepped down from the role.