WPP’s media agency holding group, GroupM, has announced Imran Masood, formerly country manager for Sizmek, has joined Xaxis as managing director. Steve Wood, who is currently director of services for the [M] Platform, will also transition to the Xasis general manager role.
The moves come two weeks after GroupM’s head of operation sand technology Tim Whitfield departed the company. Whitfield had originally joined WPP as Xaxis’ operations director in 2013.
Juan Franco, Imran Masood and Steve Wood
Former MediaCom chief data scientist Juan Franco has been promoted to head up the [M] Platform, and will also take responsibility for the digital ad ops team, which GroupM is “realigning” with the [M] Platform.
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The new leadership positions are all effective immediately.
CEO of GroupM Mark Lollback said the moves mean data-driven solutions will be at the heart of GroupM.
“Juan and Steve’s moves are another great example of GroupM growing and promoting talent from within,” he said. “Having analytics and tech under Juan’s leadership will ensure that [M] Platform’s excellence in the delivery of insightful and actionable data-driven solutions.
“We’re thrilled to have someone of Imran’s calibre joining the team. His expertise across the digital media landscape makes him a great hire for the business and will deliver a major advantage for our clients.”
Masood said GroupM is listening to the market and delivering what the industry needs.
“GroupM has consistently invested in technology and is committed to building products that deliver outcomes and drive growth for clients. GroupM is listening to what the market is saying and making sure it’s at the forefront of what the industry needs. The opportunity to work with the group and the advantages it offers its people, and clients, is very exciting.”