• April 23, 2004

Starcom MediaVest Group has named Patrick Walshe as chief executive officer for their Canadian operations. Most recently, Walshe was COO of Carat Canada. He also served as vice president of Harrison Young Pesonen & Newell (HYPN) where he was instrumental in developing a transactional media model which integrates traditional and direct response media planning and buying principles. Walshe is replacing Paul Maher, who is leaving SMG to return to New Zealand to take over the management of the recently launched Starcom New Zealand office.

Additionally, Starcom USA has named Media Director and Director of Television Research Sam Armando and Media Director Sam Sussman as vice presidents of the company. Armando gauges the spectrum of national TV viewing activity, including programming, ratings, viewer engagement and complete analysis of marketplace conditions. Armando has served with Starcom's Broadcast Investment Group since 1997, starting with management of all national TV research as an assistant media director.

Sussman serves as the agency's head sports negotiator for both broadcast and cable television. Sussman also manages national television investments across all dayparts on behalf of Miller's entire brand portfolio, and consults the Sun Microsystems business directly on its TV activities. First joining Starcom in 1993, Sussman served as a media buyer/planner.