James Harris takes on digital role at IPG Mediabrands

IPG Mediabrands has appointed James Harris to the newly created role of Managing Director of Digital services EMEA/G14.

Harris, who is currently Head of Digital for UM in EMEA/G14, will maintain his current UM duties whilst taking on responsibility for the development of key digital partnerships at IPG Mediabrands level. A key function of his role will be integrating the IPG Mediabrands MAP (Mediabrands Audience Platform) offering into the main agency brands across the region and cluster.

MAP encompasses IPG Mediabrands’ search, social, mobile and display capabilities that are handled through its Reprise and Cadreon agencies in much of EMEA and the G14.

Arun Kumar, Head of MAP, said of Harris’ involvement with MAP, “We have very ambitious goals for MAP entities this year, and James will help make things happen for us across IPG Mediabrands agencies. Creating a distinctive, differentiated product through the Mediabrands Audience Platform depends on strong leadership to carry it through. That is why I’m extremely glad of James’s involvement in MAP.”

James Harris said, “MAP is a vitally important part of IPG Mediabrands’ global offering. Its capabilities are core to the media landscape and I’m excited to become involved in making them more successful.”

Harris will report to the Presidents of UM and Initiative G14 and Kumar as President of MAP G14.

Created by IPG to manage all of its global media-related assets, IPG Mediabrands employs 6,500 communications specialists operating in 90 countries and manages $34 billion in global media billings. IPG Mediabrands enhances the communications offering and performance across its network of media agencies, including Initiative, UM, MagnaGlobal and a roster of Specialty Service Groups.