• by Larissa Faw , December 3, 2014

Just in time for the holidays, IPG Mediabrands agency Initiative is reshaping its executive suite with two new leaders and a big promotion. The shop has promoted Bret Leece to Global Chief Analytics Officer from Chief Analytics Officer for the U.S.  

His primary duties will remain similar — continuing to shape the agency's approach to data, research and through Matrix and Real Lives proprietary media platforms. But now he’ll do it globally. He will report to Global Chief Executive Officer Jim Elms.

"Simply put, Bret has been a game changer in his role in the U.S.,” said Elms. “I am very excited to have him join our global team and deliver the type of proactive leadership on the critical data and research issues our clients around the world demand every day."

Replacing Leece in the U.S. CAO role is Joe Masucci, reporting  to Peter Mears, president, North America. He will work closely with Leece and Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Power on data, analytics and research efforts on behalf of U.S. clients. He is a new face to the agency. Masucci joins Initiative from OMD where he served as Global Executive Director. 

“Adding a professional with the caliber of capability that Joe brings demonstrates our commitment” to the agency’s data and analytics practice, said Mears. “I’m confident his experience will only further strengthen our offering with clients.”

Andy Von Kennel will join the agency as Chief Client Officer in the U.S. In his new role, Von Kennel will be responsible for business leadership and account management for all U.S. accounts and will lead business development strategy reporting directly to Mears. Previously, Von Kennel served as senior vice president, business development and integration at IPG Mediabrands where he initially worked with the Initiative team. 

“He brings a holistic approach and a deep understanding of the IPG network," says Mears. "Andy is tenacious and client-centric – two characteristics that align seamlessly with our FBDS [fast, brave, decisive, simple] culture and strengthening our leadership team.”