The moves comes as parent Publicis begins formalizing the structure of its new Publicis Groupe Media unit, a corporate-level entity that now oversees ZenithOptimedia Group and Starcom MediaVest. The new corporate media unit has begun moving bodies around and creating new corporate-level roles that will oversee some operations of both networks. For example, Rishad Tobaccowala, chief innovation officer at Publicis Groupe Media, revealed at a conference earlier this year that the unit now oversees all new media investments for both ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest.
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Jones, who has been a member of the ZenithOptimedia team since 1985, and how is known to be close to Worldwide CEO Steve King, was named CEO of ZenithOptimedia USA, a new position reporting directly to King. He was the agency's chief strategy officer.
In what appears to be a realignment of the network's regional reporting structure, ZenithOptimedia said Sunni Boot, CEO of ZenithOptimedia's Latin American operations, would report directly to King, at least on a temporary basis.
Other promotions included Wendy Marquardt's move to COO; and Peggy Green's elevation to president-broadcast and entertainment at Zenith Media USA. Both report to Jones, along with the rest of the U.S. management team.
Mike Drexler continues as CEO Optimedia USA.