GroupM veteran research executive and upfront negotiator Lyle
Schwartz is leaving, the company confirmed today.
Schwartz, who succeeded Rino Scanzoni as the group’s top media investment executive in 2016, last year shifted to the new role of Chief
Integration Officer, GroupM U.S. In that role, he focused on developing advanced cross-channel implementation practices.
Matt Sweeney who had been CEO North America, Xaxis, replaced
Schwartz as Chief Investment Officer.
At the time, Tim Castree was running GroupM North America. He left in a shakeup late last year shortly after Christian Juhl took over as GroupM’s
global CEO, succeeding Kelly Clark. Juhl has been overseeing the North American operation as well.
Earlier Schwartz led GroupM’s research department and was instrumental in the
development of the industry’s commercial TV ratings system adopted more than a decade ago.
GroupM issued this statement: “After more than 20 years of exemplary leadership and
service at GroupM and in the industry, Lyle Schwartz will be leaving the company. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors and thank him for his many contributions to our company, our
culture, our people, and our clients.”