WPP Media has hired Laura Ryan as Chief Media Officer.
In her new role, she will oversee WPP Media’s global investment, partnerships, media management and activation teams, bringing media, clients and technology closer together.
Collaborating with the global client teams and the technology division, she will also be responsible for developing products with the aim of driving value for marketers and partners.
Ryan was previously global chief executive of Orion Worldwide, based in New York. Orion was part of IPG Mediabrands before IPG was acquired by Omnicom last year. She spent more than 15 years at Orion in a succession of senior roles.
She began her career at Universal McCann (now UM) in 1995 and her experience also includes stints at Ziff Davis, Rodale, Mountain Sports Media and Bonnier Corporation.
Commenting on the news in a post on LinkedIn, Brian Lesser, chief executive of WPP Media, said the speed of change in the industry was “opening up incredible opportunities” that could be turned into better outcomes for clients by bringing media, clients and technology closer together.
He added: “That’s why I’m thrilled Laura Ryan is joining us at WPP Media as chief media officer from IPG/Orion Worldwide. Laura knows how to connect client needs with new capabilities and bring people together to make it happen.
“She’ll help lead our next phase of innovation across activation and investment, working closely with our partners and with [global chief client officer] Adam Gerhart , [global president, data and technology solutions] Lauren Wetzel, and client and technology leaders from across our business.
“I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead – and to have Laura on our team as we build the future of media.”