Ruth Stubbs to replace Jeff Cressall at Mediabrands

The move sees her replace Jeff Cressall, who is relinquishing his regional duties after just 14 months in the role to return to Sydney, as president of Mediabrands Australia and New Zealand. 

Stubbs, who has been CEO of Interaction since 2004, previously worked at Euro RSCG Worldwide, leading the agency’s digital media operation. She takes up her new role on 15 July, following two months of gardening leave. 

Based in Singapore, she will report directly to Nick Brien, president and CEO, Mediabrands. 

“The world is going digital and Ruth’s combination of digital experience and brand-based marketing communications understanding - she has previously worked outside of media - is exactly the balance we were after,” said Brien.

“Jeff, for personal reasons, will be able to be closer to his roots while continuing to play a significant role at Mediabrands. He has been an effective leader and this will be an important role he plays. Ruth focusing on Asia and Jeff on Australia and New Zealand we split the region accordingly and ensure we have a very strong team.”

Mark Patterson, GroupM CEO for Asia-Pacific, confirmed there were no immediate plans to replace Stubbs. 

“Ruth has no shortage of energy, drive and enthusiasm, she will use and need all that in her new challenging role and I am sure she will thrive,” he noted. 

“Her legacy in GroupM is a team of top class senior digital talent across our agencies and business. These guys will work as a collective on the development of our digital offering for our clients and I am very confident they will relish the chance to put new ideas and thoughts on the table.”