Dave Ehlers succeeds Antony Young in new role.
Optimedia, a division of ZenithOptimedia Worldwide and part of Publicis Groupe SA, has announced the promotion of Dave Ehlers to President, Optimedia US. He succeeds Antony Young, who is leaving the agency to pursue an executive role at Group M.
Ehlers has been with the agency since 1995, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Managing Director for ZenithOptimedia USA. He is responsible for Corporate Development, including new business and also oversees Human Resources, ZO Multicultural and ZO’s branded entertainment unit, Newcast. He will continue to report to Tim Jones, Chief Executive Officer of ZenithOptimedia North America.
“Dave personifies all that our organization stands for – integrity, commitment, partnership, and he does it all with great charm and humor,” said Jones. “Like most of our management team, Dave has risen up through the organization, delivering the highest levels of performance and results, excelling at every opportunity. I know he will be successful in this new role and couldn’t be happier for him.”
“I look forward to enhancing a culture that provides our diverse talent to grow, innovate, learn and explore in this fast paced media industry,” said Ehlers. “Optimedia will continue to thrive, while delivering outstanding results for our world class roster of clients.”
Young departs after 20 years within the Groupe, previously working at Saatchi & Saatchi and Zenith Media in Asia before moving to the UK in 2001 to lead ZenithOptimedia. He transferred to the US four years ago to run Optimedia.
“Antony has firmly established Optimedia as a strong planning-led media agency in the US,” Jones said. “He has had a long career in the Groupe and played a big part in ZenithOptimedia’s development around the world. We wish him every success for the future.”
