"My goal is to put in place a management structure which provides us with the most dynamic growth possible," King said.
Regional chief operating officer Roland Crouch has been acting CEO since the former regional CEO, Antony Young, was promoted to the London headquarters almost 18 months ago.
King has yet to finalise the shape of the new organisation, but said the time was right to refocus the agency now the merger initiated two years ago between Zenith and Optimedia had bedded down.
"What I am looking at is how to make sure we can have more emphasis on the product," he said. "How can we put in place a structure and reporting lines and an incentivisation programme that ensures we've got the most compelling product of any of our competitors?"
ZenithOptimedia has seen growth lag behind some of its rivals, particularly in Asia, where revenues were dented after WPP took over Zenith Hong Kong through its purchase of Cordiant. Nevertheless the agency retains a strong position as the second-largest media buyer in Asia and King is confident the company will recover lost ground and dispel any confusion over its identity. "We've got the solution in our hands," he said. "We've got the branding back." (Media, April 23)
One of his main tasks is to ensure the network follows through on its positioning as 'the ROI agency', set out last year. "The biggest difference will be over the next year, there will be increased focus on these ROI principles, ensuring every market globally, everybody in our office understands how to put this into practice, the appropriate tools and systems we can use."
King is looking at which tools can be imported into Asia from Europe and the US. A decision is expected in about two months.