IPG Mediabrands Names Dean Donaldson Chief Innovation Officer at G14

IPG Mediabrands has announced an important appointment as part of the network’s drive to put innovation at the heart of its business.  Dean Donaldson, formerly Global Head Of Innovation at DG / Mediamind, will assume the role of Chief Innovation Officer across the G14.

IPG Mediabrands’ G14 focuses on the group’s high-growth, high-priority markets, comprising Australia, Benelux, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, UK & Ireland, Russia and Spain. The appointment reflects strongly upon the demands of these markets, as innovation and differentiation become increasingly important for their clients.

“I am excited to be joining a well-established team that is focused on disrupting the way media is being bought and managed, to ultimately bring benefit and reward to the end-consumer on behalf of clients,” says Donaldson.

A strong choice for G14’s Chief Innovation Officer role, Dean Donaldson is a recognised global expert at navigating through the maze of emerging media. He comes with over 20 years’ experience, not only in design, but also in understanding consumer behaviour with converging media technologies across multiple territories. Donaldson’s investigation into privacy concerns surrounding proximity based advertising recently earned him a Masters degree from the UK’s leading research and innovation centre based at Bournemouth University, and led to him advising European Ministers on the effects of media convergence on future EU policy.

Of the appointment, Jim Hytner, CEO OF Mediabrands G14, said, “Dean will be a huge asset to the Mediabrands team, as we continue to evolve our offerings and capabilities in the technology space. He will work with our flagship agencies UM, Initiative, BPN and MAP to help us drive innovation and introduce new digital thinking into our clients’ strategies.”

Prior to joining IPG Mediabrands, Donaldson spent five years leading innovation globally at DG / Mediamind and led initiatives such as dwell time measurement, global campaign management and second screen advertising. Before that, he has held various roles spanning business and product development as well as creative strategy.