Aegis Media appoints new CEO Buhlmann
Aegis Group, the marketing communications group behind Carat and Vizeum, has appointed Jerry Buhlmann as chief executive of its Aegis Media division, replacing Mainardo de Nardis (pictured) from 2 June.
When de Nardis took the reins in the summer of 2006, leaving his global CEO role at WPP's Mediaedge:cia, he became the first global CEO of Aegis Media, responsible for all of the group’s media communications business, the largest independent network in the world.
It is unclear at this stage where de Nardia will re-emerge, although he is not said to be retiring and, in an indication he may be prevented from joining the marketing fray straight away, an Aegis spokesman said "the usual 12 month contact conditions apply".
Aegis Media reported organic revenue growth of 10.3 per cent in 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, and now derives over one-quarter of total revenue from digital services.
Buhlmann, 48, brings 25 years experience of media and advertising to the roll, most recently as chief executive of Aegis Media EMEA, responsible for 32 national markets, with revenue of £471.1 million in 2007.
From 2000 to 2003 he served as CEO of Carat International, and before that founded UK media agency BBJ, which was acquired by Aegis in 1999. He started his career at Young & Rubicam, before moving to WCRS.
Robert Lerwill, CEO of Aegis, said: “As we continue to develop an industry-leading global media communications network, I am confident that Jerry will take Aegis Media to the next level.
"As CEO of Carat International he helped develop an international client offer. More recently, as CEO of Aegis Media EMEA, he has been responsible for 70 per cent of Aegis Media, overseeing double-digit revenue growth and improvement in operating margins each year.
“He has also spear-headed a significant successful new business effort, bringing in GM Europe, Johnson & Johnson and Mattel over the past 18 months. I look forward to working with him in this new role.
“I would also like to thank Mainardo for all he has done during his time at the helm of Aegis Media. He is a true professional and he has our gratitude. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Buhlmann said: “Having been a part of Aegis Media leadership team since 1999, I see real opportunities ahead for our next phase of development. Aegis Media has a long history of driving innovation in our markets and of operating entrepreneurially to deliver superior performance to clients and shareholders.
“Those are excellent foundations for our future. My priorities will be to maintain our record of market-leading growth through continuing expansion in digital and emerging markets, efficient operations, extending our client relationships and ensuring we continue to have the most competitive offer in our market."
