• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, October 29, 2014

Craft, McCann Worldgroup’s global in-house production unit has named Simon Sikorski and Cath Mawer as Chief Client Officers.

Both positions are new and essentially quality control roles as both executives are tasked with “working with the leadership of the agency’s roster of global clients to ensure that the highest standards of work are being delivered,” according to the agency’s release confirming the appointments.

Sikorski, based in New York, and Mawer, who works in London, will also generate new business opportunities for the production outfit, per the agency.

“Simon and Cath have worked hand-in-hand in driving Craft’s business forward,” said Ed Powers, CEO of Craft. “Now as our business continues to expand …  They will drive our clients’ complex needs and look for opportunities to deliver innovative and cost effective production solutions.”

Sikorski previously served as managing director, North America, at Craft, and has also held several McCann Worldgroup management roles. Mawer served most recently as Global Client Services Director. Prior to joining Craft in January 2013, she worked at DDB London as a Global Business Director on the Philips global agency team.

The hires follow charges earlier this month by AICE—the trade group that represents independent post-production houses—that advertisers may not be getting best value for the money they pay to agencies for production work.

Further, the group alleged that in-house operations at agencies are frequently requesting dummy or "check bids" to present to clients to meet requirements for multiple bids, and that this practice is patently corrupt and possibly illegal, based on the association’s understanding of deceptive trade practice laws.