• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, October 9, 2009

Former top OmnicomMediaGroup executive Jill Botway has joined WMI as CEO. The independent media agency specializes in placements targeting women.

Founded in 1982, WMI (Women Marketing Inc.) is co-owned by two private-equity firms. Clients include Skechers and Hawaiian Tropic. The company plugs its out-of-home operations at the seemingly coveted URL, billboards.com.

Botway states that "the female demographic has grown more compelling than ever."

At OMG, Botway was president of six U.S. strategic business units, including Novus and KDA (Ketchum Directory Advertising). Expertise for the units ranged from search to direct marketing to print.

She had been managing director for OMD in the Eastern U.S. before taking over her president's role, and worked with clients such as Pepsi and FedEx. Botway had also served as executive vice president and director of marketing at Initiative.

She is an attorney and was a partner in the corporate law firm Ryan, Botway, Reddy and Mesrop.

WMI's majority owner Halyard Capital also owns a position in ImpreMedia, which runs Hispanic-targeted publications. Co-owner Steelpoint Capital Partners also holds stakes in an in-mall advertising company and Wild Brain, an animation studio.