Andras Vigh has been appointed Global CEO of Blue 449, the so-called ‘open source’ media communications network launched by ZenithOptimedia Group.
A member of ZenithOptimedia’s global executive, Vigh joins Blue 449 from his leadership role in Asia, where he was chairman, Greater China for VivaKi and ZenithOptimedia.
Based in London from the end of the year, Vigh will work with James Shoreland, global managing director, and Sebastien Danet, chairman of the supervisory board, and will create a global leadership team for the new network.
Blue 449 launched in March of this year, which saw the rebranding of Walker Media to Blue 449 UK and the opening of the French office. Since then, Blue 449 has opened offices in Italy, Germany and Australia, and will have a total of 17 city hubs by the end of this year.
The new network operates collaboratively with the other ZenithOptimedia brands – Zenith, Optimedia, Performics, Newcast, Moxie and Ninah – and also benefits from access to the extensive range of services within VivaKi and Publicis Groupe.
Blue 449’s operating framework for clients is called Open Source, with collaborative and flexible behaviours informing the network’s relationships with media and technology partners, and influencing its approach to planning and the digital economy.
“Andras has considerable experience in both agency leadership and in rolling out a global network,” said Steve King, CEO, Worldwide, ZenithOptimedia.
“As a highly respected innovator and strategist, he is ideally placed to take the helm of Blue 449 and to develop its Open Source approach to communications.”
Vigh added: “Blue 449 is one of the most exciting launches in the media and advertising industry for many years. The opportunity to create a new way of working, innovating with partners and developing Open Source solutions for clients is very motivating.
“We are moving fast to launch the brand around the world, and I am hugely excited at the prospect of driving business growth for Blue 449.”
