• by Laurie Sullivan  @lauriesullivan, March 2, 2015

Hearst Corporation Monday named Nick Brien to CEO of iCrossing, the company’s full-service digital marketing agency, and president of Hearst Magazines Marketing Services. Steven Swartz, president and CEO, Hearst Corporation, and David Carey, president, Hearst Magazines, to whom Brien will report, made the announcement.

Brien will replace Brian Powley, global president of iCrossing, who is leaving after eight years to pursue other business interests.

Swartz called Brien one of the industry's "most respected advertising executives," and said he will oversee the expansion of iCrossing print and digital platforms.

In his new dual role, Brien will work to deepen the relationship between Hearst and iCrossing to expand on the potential of the two companies' combined capabilities, a spokesperson told Search Marketing Daily. "As part of Hearst Magazines, iCrossing is uniquely positioned to use it expertise in creating content and innovative marketing campaigns with the tremendous data and editorial resources of Hearst Corporation to help clients effectively engage with consumers," she said.

Brien, 53, most recently served as a strategic consultant, board advisor and early-stage investor in digital media, advertising and technology startups. He held the position of CEO at McCann Worldgroup from 2010 to 2012, comprised of McCann Erickson; MRM Worldwide, a digital marketing and CRM agency; Momentum, McCann's activation and promotion arm; McCann Healthcare; and CRAFT, a content production studio.

Brien also held the position of CEO of Interpublic Group's Mediabrands, managing the company’s portfolio of agencies from 2008 to 2010, including global media networks Universal McCann (UM) and Initiative; media barter division Orion Trading; and business units dedicated to search marketing and programmatic trading.

iCrossing has 17 offices worldwide, offering digital marketing services including search marketing, performance media, content creativity, social strategy, Web development and mobile marketing.

The agency leverages Hearst Corporation's digital performance network, Core Audience, and the company’s 220 million global unique visitors. iCrossing's client roster of world-class brands includes Coca-Cola, DirecTV, LG Electronics, Microsoft, PNC, Toyota and Williams-Sonoma.