• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, October 6, 2011

Publicis Groupe's ZenithOptimedia has promoted two of its own to fill the shoes of David Ehlers, who this summer was promoted to president of Optimedia U.S.

The agency network has promoted Neil Ascher to the new position of North American managing director, president, diversified services for ZenithOptimedia.

In addition, the shop promoted Sean Peters to senior vice president, director of corporate development. Ehlers succeeded Antony Young, who left Optimedia to become North American CEO at WPP's Mindshare.

Previously, Ehlers' duties included oversight of corporate development, Newcast and ZO Multicultural.

Ascher will oversee core diversified businesses operated by the agency including Newcast, ZO's branded entertainment division; ZO Multicultural, the strategic planning and consultancy division for multicultural marketing; and ZO Active, a barter trading alliance with Active International. Ascher, formerly President of Zenith GPE, will continue to oversee Convergence, Zenith's dedicated media unit for General Mills and The Program Exchange, the program's syndication company.

"I've been fortunate to work with Neil for the last 12 years," stated Tim Jones, CEO of ZenithOptimedia, N.A. "He is an exemplary and talented executive who is able to successfully manage multiple responsibilities and well-liked and respected throughout the organization."

Peters' duties include managing the agency's new business, corporate development initiatives and public relations efforts.

Jones described Peters as a "rising star in our organization. New business is a critical position and I have the upmost confidence that he will continue to achieve great things for ZO."

Ascher and Peters will both report directly to Jones.