Mindshare has announced the US-based Adam Gerhart (main photo) as its new global CEO.
Gerhart is currently CEO of Mindshare USA and WPP is yet to announce his replacement.
Mindshare has been on the lookout for a new boss following the sudden departure of the London-based Nick Emery in October. Emery was sacked following an apparently lewd Zoom meeting with staff.
Gerhart, who has been with the agency since 2003, will now oversee Mindshare’s global operations that include 9300 employees across 86 countries and a reported $US24 billion annually in bookings.
Commenting in his appointment, Gerhart said in a statement: “Historically, there’s been a tendency to relate media to something bought or transacted, which means it can become commoditised. But the reality is, media can be a huge and effective catalyst of business.
“We need to shift perception from being seen as media buyers into something more progressive. I don’t see it as a radical overhaul to the business, but I do see it as a constructive and productive evolution for the industry.”
According to reports, Gerhart will remain in New York – America is easily Mindshare’s biggest business – however the agency will remain headquarted in London. Gerhart has not publicly commented on Emery’s dismissal.
“We might lean into e-commerce from Asia because it’s incredibly developed there, or our neuroscience capability in the US where we’ve seen strong momentum,” Gerhart added. “It’s less about the headquarters and more about where the innovation is coming from.
“Having been with Mindshare and working around the world in various roles for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen the business from a number of vantage points. Right now, what we need is somebody who understands the culture and our people.”
“We pride ourselves on our culture and we think it is a competitive advantage. Our values of speed, provocation and teamwork don’t go away,” he said.
