IPG Mediabrands announced today that, effective immediately, Mat Baxter has beenappointed Global Chief Executive Officer, Initiative. Jim Elms, the group’s previous Global Chief Executive Officer, is namedChairman of Initiative, and takes on new responsibilities as Managing Director, Interpublic. In this role, Jim will be part ofthe group’s efforts to drive increased collaboration between IPG Mediabrands and the broader network of Interpublicagencies.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Initiative,” said Henry Tajer, Global CEO, IPG Mediabrands. “Anyone who knows Mat will tell you that his energy, exceptional strategic skills and commitment to the business will instantly be felt around theInitiative network. Mat will enhance Jim’s long-term vision and client focus, and together, they will propel the network to newheights and reaffirm Initiative’s position as unexpected and daring. The best is yet to come.”
In September 2015, Mat was named Global Chief Strategy and Creative Officer, IPG Mediabrands. In this role, he led theglobal launch of the network’s “Dynamic By Design” positioning, brand redesign and helped launch the D100, a ranking ofthe world’s top 100 dynamic brands. Mat has been part of the leadership team at IPG Mediabrands since 2010.
Mat Baxter, Global CEO, Initiative, commented, “The opportunity to take an agency like Initiative and reshape it to bestserve our clients and our people is a dream come true for me. Initiative is ideally positioned for growth and innovation – ithas the all the capabilities and resources of a large full-service agency, but is nimble enough to allow for flexibility in howwe service our clients.”
In his new role as Chairman of Initiative, Jim Elms will continue to report to Henry Tajer. In his new IPG responsibilities, Jimwill also report to Philippe Krakowsky, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer of IPG and Chairman of IPG Mediabrands.
Philippe Krakowsky commented, “Jim will be an important asset as we continue to increase the level of collaborationacross the IPG network with our media offerings. Media
increasingly serves as the connective tissue for the full range of marketing activities we deliver on clients’ behalf. In hisnew role at IPG, Jim will further enhance our ability to access resources from across the group so as to deliver on thepromise of integration.”