- Steve McClellan

NEW YORK Quentin George has been appointed chief digital officer at Interpublic Group's Mediabrands, the management arm of the holding company's media units, including Initiative and Universal McCann. The post is new at Mediabrands, which was formed in July 2008.

In addition to his new duties, George will retain his role as global lead, digital media and strategic innovation at UM, a post he has held since joining that shop in April 2007.
 
Prior to UM, George served as chief of corporate development and managing director at i-shop Organic, where he led assignments for clients such as Sprint, 20th Century-Fox, Mitsubishi Motors and Best Buy's Geek Squad. Earlier, he held senior posts at Avenue A/Razorfish and he co-founded Electric Ocean, an i-shop in South Africa.

Mediabrands CEO Nick Brien said in a statement: "To help our clients navigate the new world with speed and sophistication, Quentin will constantly examine investments and partnerships in digital areas such as mobile, search and social platforms. Quentin is a true entrepreneur who will bring a new level of excitement and inspire changes in behavior and enrich the thinking across the Mediabrands organization."

UM worldwide CEO Matt Seiler added that George would "ensure that our digital product and stature in the industry are second to none. His additional Mediabrands responsibilities only enhance our ability to service our clients and provide best-of-class digital strategy and thinking."