Group Press Releases
Aegis Appoints Mainardo de Nardis as CEO, Aegis Media
21 October 2005
Aegis Group plc ('Aegis') today announces its intention to appoint Mainardo de Nardis to the global role of Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Media, and as a director of Aegis Group plc. Mainardo has spent 25 years in the advertising industry, most recently as CEO of Mediaedge:cia, part of WPP Group's GroupM. He will take up these appointments with Aegis as soon as his existing commitments allow.
Mainardo, 44, started his career in 1980 in client services in Italy, first at McCann Erickson, and then at Young and Rubicam and Albert Cremona, an advertising agency which he co-founded. In 1987 he moved into media, as deputy chairman and a partner at MediaNetwork.
In 1993 MediaNetwork merged with CIA and Mainardo moved to the UK as CEO of the merged business for Europe, Middle East and Africa. In 1997 Mainardo joined the board of CIA-MediaNetwork's parent company, Tempus Group. The following year he succeeded Chris Ingram as CEO of CIA Worldwide.
In 2002, following the acquisition of Tempus by WPP Group, Mainardo was appointed CEO of Mediaedge:cia.
Robert Lerwill, CEO of Aegis Group, said:
"Changes in technology and lifestyles are putting media at the heart of customer communications. The principal Aegis Media brands - Carat, Vizeum, Isobar and Posterscope - are well placed and focused. They are outgrowing their markets and Mainardo will be leading the strong management team already in place. He brings a wealth of experience to us in the international media buying and planning arena and his appointment reflects well on Aegis Media."
Mainardo de Nardis said:
"Media communications is in the ascendant and this feels like a natural move. The skills within Aegis Media today mean it can play a huge part in shaping the future of our industry - at a time when clients actively want to see change. I've watched Aegis Media keenly for many years now. And I've constantly been struck by the determination, entrepreneurship and creativity I see there."
For further information contact:
Tim Spratt
Financial Dynamics
+44 (0) 20 7831 3113
Charlotte Elston
Aegis Group
+44 (0) 20 7070 7708
