• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, November 3, 2015

Interpublic’s Mediabrands’ Initiative unit has restructured its executive suite, promoting Peter Mears to global COO and naming long-time media buyer Kris Magel president of its U.S. operations.

The move recognizes Mears' increasing role in Initiative’s global operations, which have essentially been co-managed with global CEO Jim Elms ever since the team took the reins of Initiative in 2013. In 2014, MediaPost named Elms and Mears our “Executives of the Year” for transforming Initiative’s organization.

Prior to becoming U.S. president, Mears led operations for IPG Mediabrands and its UM unit in Canada. He also spent a number of years at PHD in the region, as well as in the UK.

Magel, who has been Initiative’s Chief Investment Officer since 2008, is regarded as one of the savviest buyers on Madison Avenue and has pushed the organization and the industry to think more neutrally about media channels, especially television vs. video and even out-of-home screens.

He will report to Mears, and a new chief investment officer will be named shortly.