UM Australia has announced the promotion of award-winning strategist Sam Geer (pictured above, Left) to national strategy officer.
Geer has been UM’s Sydney strategy director of UM for the last 18 months and has been key to the agency’s major client work such as Coca-Cola and new business wins including Optus, Virgin Mobile and Lion.
Geer replaces Sophie Price, who has just resigned as UM’s chief strategy officer to join M&C Saatchi.
Danny Bass, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Australia, said Price had contributed greatly to the agency since joining in January 2015.
“Sophie is a gifted professional who has given us so much in her time here, and we wish her the best in her new role,” he said.
“She has been a very important leader for our product, people and our clients.”
Bass described Geer as a “home-grown professional who is now among the smartest strategists I have worked with”.
“UM has been a powerhouse over the past few years, and with Sam heading up strategy, the agency will undoubtedly continue to lead the industry in connections thinking and evolve our product for the future,” he said.
Greer said he was looking forward to stepping up to the national role.
“Creative connections has developed into a powerful positioning, and with the wider team, we will be evolving the product with new power, infusing sharper market-leading data into our creative media solutions,” he said.
Chris Colter (pictured above, right), a former global Cannes Young Lions and MFA Grand Prix winner for work on LEGO, will replace Greer as UM’s strategy director for Sydney.
