ZenithOptimedia Appoints King As Global Chief Executive
ZenithOptimedia has appointed Steve King as chief executive of its global operations following the announcement that John Perriss is stepping down after more than fifteen years at the global media services company.
King’s promotion from his current postion of chief executive of ZenithOptimedia for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has put an end to speculation that the agency’s parent Publicis Groupe would turn to sister network Starcom MediaVest Group to fill the vacancy.
Reports had linked Jack Klues, chief executive officer of Starcom MediaVest Group, to the much coveted position and speculation also favoured Rich Hamilton, chief executive of ZenithOptimedia North America.
However, Maurice Lévy, chairman and chief executive of Paris-based Publicis Groupe, said: “With his solid experience and his strong commitment to the brand, Steve is the best candidate to lead one of our two powerful global media brands – ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest Group.”
King was one of the founding directors of Zenith Media alongside Perriss and has occupied various local and international roles during his time at the agency. He became managing director of Zenith Media in the UK in 1993 and then moved to the US a year later before becoming chief operating officer of the American business. He took on a European role for Zenith in 1997 and took the enlarged EMEA chief executive role when ZenithOptimedia was created in 2001.
Earlier this week Perriss announced his decision to step down from the day-to-day running of ZenithOptimedia. It is understood that he will look to take on a small number of nonexecutive roles once he has left the company (see ZenithOptimedia Confirms Perriss To Depart).
He said: “I am delighted Steve is to take on my role. As well as being highly regarded and respected throughout the ZenithOptimedia global network, with a reputation for extremely effective client service, Steve is also a very charismatic and personable leader and I know that all of those who have worked with him over the years will join with me in congratulating him on this appointment.”
King added: “I’m obviously delighted and eager to meet the challenges of this position. John has helped this company achieve tremendous momentum, and I share his determination to preserve and enhance ZenithOptimedia’s status as a leading global communications organisation.”
Earlier this month it was revealed that profits at global advertising network, Publicis Groupe, rose by 21.8% to €263 million in 2003. This follows the integration of Bcom3 and a return to sustainable organic growth (see Publicis Looks Strong, Whilst Interpublic Slumps).
ZenithOptimedia: 020 7224 8500 www.zenithoptimedia.com
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