Former OMD Exec to Lead New Consulting Division for GroupM

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Media investment management firm GroupM has created a consulting services division to add to its staple of services.

The consulting services division will work with customers to build out sustainable marketing and business practices. GroupM's new division will be led by former chief strategy officer at OMD Ernie Simon.

As president of the division Simon will manage a team of analysts and consultants. Simon comes to GroupM with over 25 years of experience in the field. Prior to his work with the company he served a variety of roles at firms like OMD.

"Ernie's credentials speak for themselves," says GroupM North America Chief Executive Kelly Clark.

"He's a total professional with a great mix of strategic and analytical skills. He also has extensive experience in a wide range of product and service categories, and we are delighted to welcome him back."

GroupM's consulting division will offer customers guidance for marketing/media analytics, budget allocation and optimization, portfolio management, business forecasting, return on marketing investment, and target optimization.

GroupM works with its parent company, WPP Media, to assist the firm in its media and business practices. Along with GroupM, WPP Media serves as a parent company to Maxus, MEC, Mediacom, and Mindshare.

Simon's hire marks GroupM's second major hire over the past year. Last August, the firm hired Ari Bluman as its chief digital investment officer for North America.

That hire marked GroupM's second for the month. GroupM also brought forward Rob Norman to lead a newly created digital position. Norman moved from the position after holding the title of GroupM North American chief executive for over 10 years.