Mat Baxter switches from Mediacom to Universal McCann
Baxter and Tajer
Mat Baxter has left WPP agency Mediacom after just over a year to become the new boss of Universal McCann.
Baxter, who was given the role of chief strategy officer at Mediacom by CEO Toby Jenner after his ousting from Naked Communications, will take up the reigns at UM on December 1.
Henry Tajer, currently in the dual role of chairman of Mediabrands – which includes Universal McCann and Initiative – and CEO of UM will take on the chairmanship as a full time role.
Baxter’s appointment to UM follows Tajer appointing Mindshare’s Tracie Michael as CEO of Initiative following the sudden departure of Roger Camplisson
Jenner told Mumbrella that Baxter left with his good wishes because the role was one that he was unable to offer him within Mediacom. Jenner said: “Everybody’s sad but it’s not a disaster.”
Jenner said he would be looking internally and externally for Baxter’s replacement, although he could make more than one appointment because of the agency’s recent business growth.
Tajer said: “Mat’s decision to join UM as CEO is testament to the strength of our vision and a huge endorsement for UM and Mediabrands’ plans for the future.”
Baxter said: “I’m enormously excited about joining UM. UM was one of the few agencies I genuinely feared competing with in my previous roles. They’ve got a hugely impressive track record and an even more impressive client list. They’re undoubtedly Australia’s most creative communications agency. I’m absolutely thrilled to be their new CEO.”
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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Truly a meteroic rise. Fair play to him.
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Congrats to matt., he’s a good hire for universal.
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Toby must be pissed off!
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well done matt…the smartest media thinker in the land
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nice one buddy!!! agree with dan mats probably the smartest planner i have ever know…. once again – congrats to UM and mat
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What about the promises made to Yum and IAG?! Jenner says its not a disaster, me thinks otherwise. Could Carat come back into play?
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Nice one UM.
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Wow mediacom must be gutted. I’ve got friends there and there not happy right now!
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WOW. 3 jobs in 15 months. This is a great example of what you can achieve if you put your mind to it. Thanks for giving us Gen Yers hope that are dreams can come true.
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Mat in his Naked days was incredibly inspiring and has pushed on to be one of the truly visionary leaders of our industry…he deserves everything that comes from his quick rise to CEO of UM. Go get em Mat we wish you all the best, it’s frightening to imagine your destiny in a few years time. Legend.
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