Matthew Miller
Jan 10, 2014

ZenithOptimedia hires strategy lead from Mindshare, creates development role

ASIA-PACIFIC - ZenithOptimedia has announced two senior hires at the regional level: Chris Harrison as chief strategy officer and Gulrez Alam as chief development officer.

L-R: Chris Harrison, Gulrez Alam
L-R: Chris Harrison, Gulrez Alam

Harrison replaces Harpreet Kaintel, who has been promoted to chief information officer for the region. Alam's position is a new role designed to help drive the group’s ambitious growth plans. 

Both will report to APAC Chairman Gerry Boyle.

Harrison joins from Mindshare, where he was regional head of invention. He led comms planning and the development of creative media strategies for clients including Unilever, Nestle, Kraft/Mondelez, Pepsi and GSK. He has also worked for Leo Burnett and Grey Interactive.

Boyle called Harrison a "brilliant thinker with a unique perspective on the business of brands and consumers", adding that he brings great depth of knowledge and experience in innovative strategy and planning processes.

For his part, Harrison said he was inspired by Boyle's determination to transform ZenithOptimedia to take it to the top in Asia while challenging "the establishment".

Alam will be responsible for creating new business and organic growth strategies, will have input into M&A activity and will continue the development of the ZenithOptimedia’s digital strategies and capabilities, according to the agency.

He joins from a company he founded, Resultrix, which he sold to Publicis Groupe in 2012. He has spent the last 10 years consulting on digital strategies in the banking, insurance, travel and technology sectors.

Boyle praised Alam as a "proven entrepreneur" and "digital evangelist" with an instinctive understanding of how to create success. "He’s just what we need to help deliver on the exciting development opportunities we see in the region,” Boyle said.

 

Source:
Campaign Asia

Follow us

Top news, insights and analysis every weekday

Sign up for Campaign Bulletins

Related Articles

Just Published

15 hours ago

Women to Watch 2024: Margaret Key, MSL

As a regional leader, Key has been a driving force behind transforming Publicis Groupe's comms offerings by influencing talent, services, and business growth in APAC.

16 hours ago

Bonds taps Robert Irwin to show how wild comfort ...

Australia’s most beloved animal-lover trades khakis for cotton to front the new campaign, introducing American audiences to undies that hold up under pressure—snakes, crocs and all.

20 hours ago

Common Interest acquires Amplify to 'empower ...

The previously independent brand experience agency has offices in London, LA, Paris, New York and Sydney.