IPG Mediabrands has appointed Stefan Burford as its first chief strategy officer.
Burford will report to the group’s executive chairman Henry Tajer and will take on the new role from October.
Since September 2011, Burford has been chief strategy officer of UM, the largest business within the IPG Mediabrands Australia group.
“In his three years in the leadership group at UM Stefan has gained very strong insights into how our national group can coordinate and structure its resources across skill sets to tailor-make the most powerful, multi-dimensional solutions for clients,” said Tajer. “With this new role, we formally recognise his great skills.”
Up to October 1, Burford will continue working in his current role with UM CEO Mat Baxter and the national agency. Baxter said considerations were well advanced in the selection of a new executive for the agency’s top strategic role and an announcement would be made in the near future.
Mat Baxter said: “Stef has been instrumental in helping UM achieve its successes over the past three years. He’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with and I’m thrilled he is getting the opportunity to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of IPG Mediabrands.”
Tajer said Burford’s new role would assist strategic development across the national group as well as support the group’s leadership on opportunities as they present themselves. “As our marketplace continues to evolve rapidly we are excited that Stefan will critically involved in all of these,” said Tajer.
