Sayliss hired as chair of VivaKi in UK

by Arif Durrani, mediaweek.co.uk 20-Nov-08, 11:20

LONDON - Publicis Groupe's new media unit VivaKi has named ZenithOptimedia Worldwide's chief operating officer Adrian Sayliss as chair of VivaKi operations in the UK.

Sayliss will work with the regional and local leadership of Digitas, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia, while maintaining his continuing his current duties as chief operating officer.

He will support VivaKi brand leaders Chris Locke and Chris Hayward in driving cross-brand initiatives in the UK, as well as delivering against key operational and financial goals.

Sayliss will report to the VivaKi global board of directors, led by US-based Jack Klues and David Kenny.

Launched in June, VivaKi aims to improve the performance of advertisers' marketing investments, as well as boosting the Groupe's growth.

Given the strength of each of the three brands in the market, the UK represents VivaKi's most significant market outside of the US, representing combined billings of over £2.0bn and a talent pool of more than 850 people.

"The success of VivaKi pivots on its ability to propel the agency brands to new levels of performance, service and growth," said Klues.

"Adrian has been selected for this new role because he has a great knowledge of the business, understands the challenges that clients face in today's digital environment, and is a great collaborator. He has a proven track record of delivering growth and new thinking to the organisation."