Arif Durrani, Media Week, 15 September 2008, 6:24pm

Universal McCann appoints Breijer as EMEA president

LONDON - Universal McCann has promoted its chief executive in the Netherlands, Diederik Breijer, to become its new EMEA president, replacing Graham Duff who takes on an Interpublic Group role in the region.

Breijer brings more 11 years media experience to the role and will be responsible for coordinating all UM agency activities in the region.

Duff, who is now the president EMEA of IPG Mediabrands, said: "Diederik demonstrated tremendous business performance locally in the Netherlands. Diederik has always shown passion and enthusiasm for the UM brand.

"I look forward to working with him, continuing to build a first class organisation across the region."

Breijer started his career at Wegener Media in 1997 before joining OMD Netherlands as a senior media planner in 1999. He joined Interpublic’s Universal McCann Netherlands as deputy managing director in 2003, becoming chief executive in two years later.

The appointment follows a strategic reorganisation at Interpublic’s sibling agency Initiative last week, which has seen a number of regional moves, including Mario Mateus being promoted from chief executive officer of Initiative Portugal to president of Initiative EMEA.

Bant Breen was also appointed as Initiative’s president of worldwide digital communications, spearheading the agency’s work in emerging media.