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Fiat Chrysler chief marketer Mark McCraith makes surprise return to Maxus Australia

MaxusFiat Chrysler Group director of marketing Mark McCraith is set to rejoin media agency Maxus in the expanded role of national chief operating officer.

McCraith first joined Maxus in 2010 as chief operating officer, but left in 2013 to join the car maker which is one of Maxus’ clients.

He will rejoin on June 1 in the same role, based in Melbourne, but with an increased remit that will see him take a greater involvement in the national direction of the business.

His return will help bolster the agency’s senior ranks after the departure of Melbourne boss Nick Keenan in January to go client side with BetEasy.

His interim replacement Karly Fragiacomo, has been handed the role of managing director in Melbourne on a permanent basis.

The return of McCraith comes as the Jeep marketer questioned the effectiveness of social media compared to traditional channels such as television, saying he has never sold a car via social channels.

Maxus Australia chief executive Jon Chadwick said he was “thrilled” to reappoint its former executive.

“Combined with Karly’s impressive track record, this move will take Maxus from strength to strength, reinforcing the importance of Melbourne in our overall strategy,” he said.

McCraith said: “I’m delighted to be back with the GroupM family, joining the great clients and team at Maxus. There are some exciting plans in place for the future growth of the agency and I’m delighted to be part of it.”

Maxus remains on the hunt for a Sydney managing director.

The agency said Fragiacomo’s promotion will help reach parents company GroupM’s goal to have women in 50 per cent of its senior leadership roles my mid 2016.

“It’s been a brilliant journey over the past few years. We have a great team in place and I look forward to taking the agency to the next level,” Fragiacomo said.

Steve Jones

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