Publicis Groupe Media announces changes to leadership in Middle East & North Africa region

Matt Blackborn, Chief Executive Officer for PGM MENA, has been promoted to Global Client Services Director for Starcom Mediavest Group, reporting to Renetta McCann, Chief Executive Officer of Starcom MediaVest Group worldwide. In this newly created role, Blackborn will operate out of London, overseeing the company's strategy for central client management and development of global client assignments, with added responsibility for the leadership of the international client team in London.

Mike Readman, Global Head of Media for Cereal Partners Worldwide and formerly chief operating officer for Universal McCann EMEA, has been named Chairman of PGM MENA. He will oversee the Groupe's activities across MENA, working with the management team already in place in the region. Readman will be based in Dubai from the end of September.

Of Blackborn's promotion, Renetta McCann commented

"Matt has successfully completed his two-year appointment as CEO of our MENA region, fortifying PGM's leadership position in this important and growing market. We are fortunate that we can now tap his expertise to oversee the development & leadership of global assignments, an increasingly vital role for our company. Matt will be fully empowered to deliver the resources that the clients need around the world and fully accountable to ensure that we are delivering the best talent and resources to every challenge and opportunity."

Of Readman's appointment, Iain Jacob said
"Appointing Mike into a PGM Chairman role highlights our commitment to bringing international experience to compliment the strong local leadership that already exists in the MENA region. I am very proud of what our local MENA management have achieved, Mike has a wealth of experience to help that team grow further and we are delighted to have attracted him to the Groupe".

Blackborn commented on the move:
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my assignment in the MENA region and feel confident that I am leaving at a time when the business has achieved significant strength and momentum. Having gained both international and operational experience, it is a natural step to move into a global role inside SMG, and I am excited by the challenge that this new opportunity presents"

Readman commented:
"Having worked in the Middle East a few years ago I am excited by the prospect of returning to the region at a time of such promise and optimism about the industry. I look forward to joining a strong team that has enjoyed great success and building on the momentum that has been achieved under Matt's leadership."