Maxus expands American ops

MAXUS   IRWIN GOTLIEB    GROUPM

US - Coming off a hot new-business streak, Maxus is expanding its media agency network in North America, opening offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City.

In July NBCUniversal split its US$1 billion-plus U.S. media account between the WPP GroupM unit and Publicis Groupe agencies. Within a week, Maxus also led the WPP Group team that won nearly US$1 billion in S.C. Johnson global media after a review.

Maxus' new Los Angeles office, which opens 1 October, will primarily service Universal Studios and NBCU's Focus Features division and Video on Demand offering.

Pamela Haupert Sullivan, who oversaw multiple Universal accounts at DDB Entertainment, has been named managing director of the new office. Maxus L.A. will have 20 staffers and will be supported by the agency's New York office, which is expected to add another 20 employees to work on the business.

Maxus said opening in Toronto had been part of the company's expansion strategy, but new fourth-quarter account wins, including NBCUniversal, accelerated that plan. Ann Stewart, gm, managing director at GroupM corporate sibling Excelerator Media, has been named president of Maxus Canada. The 35-person Toronto office is also expected to open 1 October.

In Mexico City, where Maxus already works for Astra Zeneca, UPS and Mazda, Hugo Gomez has been appointed CEO of Maxus Mexico. Gomez had previously been chief operating officer at GroupM sister agency Mindshare Mexico.

In a statement, GroupM Global CEO Irwin Gotlieb (pictured) said, "These investments demonstrate our commitment to the Maxus network. The Maxus team has a lot of energy and momentum, and we will provide all the support and resources they need to keep growing and delivering for clients."

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