• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, January 20, 2009

MediaVest has tapped an executive from Starcom's China operations to play a pivotal role on its Kraft account, including heading digital planning for the beverage brands. Amy Ballis joins as senior vice president, communications director.

MediaVest and Starcom are sister agencies within the Publicis Groupe.

Her responsibilities include oversight of holistic communications planning for the beverage portion of the Kraft business. She will also use her international experience to work on additional Kraft initiatives with global reach. Ballis will be posted in the New York office and report to Joe Warren, senior vice president and group client director.

MediaVest CEO Bill Tucker said: "Having served in positions from Canada to China, Amy has a uniquely hands-on understanding of how to connect with consumers in all regions ... her insight and wealth of international experience will be a terrific asset."

Most recently, Ballis served as vice president and general manager at Starcom's Guangzhou, China, operations, where she oversaw a staff of 80 that handled planning for the Procter & Gamble business in the developing region.

She has also worked for Starcom MediaVest Group in Toronto, Mexico City and Chicago, with clients such as Marlboro, Kellogg's and Nintendo.