MediaCom has today announced the promotion of Mike Deane, currently national head of strategy, to chief strategy officer.

An established member of MediaCom’s team, Deane began his journey with MediaCom seven years ago. Starting at MediaCom UK in 2011, he relocated to Australia in 2012 and has since risen from head of strategy in Melbourne.

As part of his new remit, Deane will be responsible for driving the new strategic operating system within MediaCom, bridging strategy and planning to drive thought leadership for MediaCom’s people and clients alike.

Deane joins a unique and diverse leadership team at MediaCom and will partner Willie Pang, chief operating officer, Gemma Hunter, global executive creative director and Nicole Turley, chief investment officer to drive a new approach to marketing services at MediaCom.

Sean Seamer CEO MediaCom AUNZ said of the promotion, “Mike is an extremely passionate strategist who has delivered exceptional results in his time with us. He is committed to our Systems Thinking philosophy and has been the driving force behind our new operating system which will bring elevated Strategic Planning to our partners.

“His intimate knowledge of our people, clients, culture and product are all factors that will make him an undoubtable success in his new role.

“In line with our ‘People first’ approach to talent, I’m delighted that we could fill this role internally as Mike possesses a unique energy that will both complement our leadership team and drive our offering forward.

“It would be remiss of me if I did not point out that Mike is also a great guy, universally loved by the team here at MediaCom,” Seamer said.

Deane said of his promotion: “MediaCom has always had such a rich pedigree in strategic thinking that’s both directional and grounded, and to be tasked with leading our planning product into the future is incredibly exciting. Alongside our outstanding data and tech capabilities, our commitment to evolving to a more consultative strategic planning approach is the thing that will continue to set us apart and get us a seat at the highest table. We’re shifting planning into an entirely new direction that will elevate the potential of media and advertising to a far more significant driver of growth. I can’t wait to get started.”