Mediabrands names Matt Seiler global CEO

He moves into the role from his current position as CEO of UM, the largest unit within Mediabrands. Replacing him in this capacity is Jacki Kelley, who steps up from her current post as UM’s North American CEO.

The Mediabrands CEO role was vacated in April last year when Nick Brien was appointed head of McCann Worldgroup.

“When we launched our new media model fours years ago, we wanted to deliver on the scale and breadth of our capabilities, but also create a nimble, collaborative culture led by outstanding executives,” said Michael Roth, Interpublic’s chairman and CEO.

“The performance we’ve seen in recent years at UM, Initiative and our Mediabrands Ventures agencies has been exceptional. Matt Seiler’s leadership role with clients, in winning new business and in attracting some of the best talent into our organisation made the decision to promote him a logical next step for the business.

"It’s also gratifying to see that we have the management bench strength to fill this vital position from within our ranks, and to do the same in naming Jacki to lead UM globally. She’s made major contributions to the agency’s success and will continue to do so.

"We’re confident Matt and Jacki, joined by Initiative CEO Richard Beaven and Mediabrands Ventures CEO Matt Freeman, give us the strongest team of media leaders in the business,” he added.

Seiler joined IPG as global CEO of UM in August 2008, Mediaweek named him Executive of the Year in November 2009.

Prior to UM, Seiler served as president and later CEO of PHD North America which he joined in 2004. Matt also held substantial roles within the Omnicom Group, including EVP, chief insight and integration officer for the holding company and director of strategic planning at BBDO New York. His career began on the account side as a senior account director at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

Jacki Kelley joined IPG in 2009 as president of UM North America, from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, where she served as executive vice-president of media sales, and led the formation of an integrated media team. Previously, she served as vice president, worldwide strategies and solutions at Yahoo.