Mediabrands appoints Daniel Simon as COO of Asia

Simon will be the Chief Operating Officer of Asia at UM and Initiative.

According to Mediabrands, Daniel will be responsible for maintaining each company’s independence, driving operational synergies as well as managing day-to-day challenges throughout G14* and World Markets* in Asia. His appointment is effective immediately.

Daniel’s appointment as COO marks an effort by Mediabrands to strengthen its senior management in Asia. Jim Hytner, formerly UM President for EMEA, was recently named President of G14. Eric Bader became President of G14 for Initiative and also continues in his role of Chief Strategy Officer, Worldwide. Mauricio Sabogal, formerly Worldwide Managing Director at Initiative, is now President of World Markets at Initiative and UM. As COO, Daniel will work closely with Jim and Mauricio, as well as Andrea Suarez, who is COO of World Markets Global at UM and Initiative.

Daniel’s key responsibility will be to help oversee day-to-day operations at UM and Initiative across G14 and World Markets in Asia. He will also help ensure consistency of world-class service and product, drive growth across Asian markets, and build recognition of UM and Initiative as industry leaders across G14 and World Markets.

Daniel joined UM in September 2006, as CFO of UM, Asia Pacific. In 2008, he was appointed CFO of Mediabrands, Asia Pacific. In March 2010, Daniel was named a Member of the Board at Mediabrands, Asia Pacific, which saw him involved in Asia’s management while still CFO. Daniel has nearly 20 years experience both in advertising and the Asia Pacific region.

Jim Hytner, President, G14, UM, said: “It’s fantastic to have someone as respected and experienced in Asia as Daniel. After five years in the group, the COO role is a natural step for him. We are confident that Daniel will continue to build the UM and Initiative brands, ensure consistency of service offering and help us capitalize on the immense business opportunities in the region. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we look forward to seeing Daniel help our clients thrive in the region.”

About his appointment, Daniel Simon said: “I’ve been committed to our success here in Asia for some time now. In my new role as COO, I’m especially excited to work with our talented leadership team to bring our business in the region to new heights.”

Andrea Suarez, COO, World Markets, commented: “Entrepreneurship is at the heart of Mediabrands and the agencies within the group. Daniel has grown immensely in recent years, showing strong leadership qualities. He has also built solid relationships with CEOs across the region, and this will be vital as we work more collaboratively as a network to drive business growth.”

*In Asia, G14 includes China, India and Japan and World Markets includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

About Daniel Simon
As Chief Operating Officer of Asia at UM and Initiative, Daniel Simon is responsible for maintaining each company’s independence as well as driving synergies throughout G14 and World Markets in Asia.

Daniel Simon joined UM in September 2006 as CFO for UM, Asia Pacific. He was appointed CFO of Mediabrands, Asia Pacific, when it was established in 2008. In March 2010, Daniel was named a Member of the Board at Mediabrands, Asia Pacific. Daniel has nearly 20 years experience both in advertising and the Asia Pacific region.

During his time at Mediabrands, Daniel has actively helped the company make acquisitions and find JV partners throughout Asia Pacific. In India, Daniel negotiated a full-service digital JV with India’s leading digital media organization. The JV helps manage IPG’s digital media assets in the Indian market, which is growing at roughly 30% a year. In China, Daniel negotiated and executed a buy-out of Mediabrands’ joint venture partner, forming Mediabrands WOFE, which manages multiple media brands in the country. Daniel has also helped Mediabrands to roll out new business models throughout Asia in search, barter and branded content.

Before joining Mediabrands, Daniel worked for Saatchi & Saatchi as CFO of its Asia Pacific operations. He joined the firm in 1990 and steadily rose through the ranks until being promoted CFO of Asia Pacific in 1995. As CFO, Daniel successfully negotiated with the Vietnamese government to obtain the first joint venture license by a foreign advertising company. He was also responsible for Saatchi & Saatchi’s mergers and acquisitions in India and Japan.

Daniel has also led acquisitions and overseen various financial and operational matters in his other professional roles, including human resources and technology.

Daniel graduated from the Wharton School with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.