Each of the chief technology catalysts (CTC) will be responsible for driving technology innovation, including new models and partnerships, in each of the company's four operating regions.
According to McCann Worldgroup chief information officer Greg Smith, who made the announcement today, “This new post is aimed at accelerating our ability to identify solutions and opportunities and connect these solutions to our clients and their needs. Effectively, they will help create the fuel for innovation and ignite IP creation.”
Armshaw takes charge of the Asia-Pacific region from his previous role as regional technology director for McCann Worldgroup Asia-Pacific. Former digital client services director for McCann UK Mark Jackson takes the EMEA post while Lori Schwartz and Glauco Yasuda takes on North- and Latin America respectively.
Schwartz joins from her post as director and founder of the Interpublic Emerging Media Lab and Yasuda is promoted from regional CIO for McCann Worldgroup Latin America.
The CTC's will focus on three main areas, including clients, partnerships and innovation, with technology as the underlying enabler. They will work closely with the group's creative and strategic departments to ensure understanding of new technology and content, distribution, licensing and data business models.
Added Michael McLaren, regional director for McCann Worldgroup Asia-Pacific, “As our business continues to change, the need to have technologies solutions closely linked with our idea and content creation is more critical than ever."
"We will be giving our employees new outlets for their inventions, recognising the entrepreneur residing in all our people. This also will extend to business partners outside of Worldgroup,” said Armshaw.
