One of the most visible executives in the Australian media industry, Mark Pejic, has been appointed chairman of IPG Mediabrands’ Melbourne operations. Formerly CEO of Mediacom Australia, Pejic will join Mediabrands at a date to be announced.

Pejic recently left GroupM’s Mediacom.

“We are stepping up our plans for growth in the Melbourne market and Mark Pejic undoubtedly has the media skills and leadership qualities to ensure those plans become a reality,” said IPG Mediabrands global CEO Henry Tajer. “Mark as the right qualities to partner with our senior Melbourne-based clients, lead our diverse skill sets and make a strong contribution to the senior leadership of IPG Mediabrands nationally.”

Tajer added, “Pete Butler is our most senior executive in Melbourne. He has led by example and ensured the smooth evolution of our business as we have launched new communications brands to provide wider skills for our clients. He has been talking to us for some time about a change in his role, but agreed to do this in a way that ensured a smooth transition.

“With his amassed knowledge and experience in the market, we are delighted that Pete has chosen Mediabrands as his first client as he transitions to the world of consulting.  He will continue to be most valuable to Mark Pejic and the wider group into the future.  Pete will continue in his current role to the end of this year and will establish his consulting business from the beginning of 2016,” said Tajer.

IPG Mediabrands’ operations in Melbourne consist of teams from media agencies UM and Initiative, search agency Reprise, social specialist Society, creative, sponsorship and activations specialist Ensemble, intelligence and investment specialist Magna Global, research and analytics business Anomaly, mobile communications agency Mnet and digital programmatic agency Cadreon.

Pejic commented: “I am absolutely excited to be joining Mediabrands in the capacity of chairman, Melbourne. I look forward to working with their many talented people and clients in my home town. I have long admired the investment that they continue to make in their people and businesses, which are creating first class results in all areas. It’s a great time to be joining the Mediabrands family.”

Butler said: “It’s an exciting but also challenging time for the industry but I believe the Mediabrands model is very well placed to adapt to the challenges, be increasingly relevant and continue its success. While after seven years I have chosen to lessen my time to Mediabrands from January, my belief and commitment in what we are endeavouring to achieve remains.”