- Steve McClellan

NEW YORK Publicis Groupe's Zenith Optimedia has confirmed a management shakeup within its North American research and analysis division, known as the Strategic Resources Group. Out is Bruce Goerlich, who had been president of the group, replaced by Tom Love, who ran Strategic Resources West and now becomes evp of the entire group, reporting to ZO North American CEO Tim Jones.

The Strategic Resources Group manages and provides insights into all media research, syndicated and proprietary, consumer research, future media and technology trends, data management and investment modeling via Ninah, its specialist company.

Commenting on the change, Jones said in a statement: "Bruce has made an outstanding contribution to the company over the last five years. In particular, playing a key role in the development and application of proprietary tools in building our integrated communications planning practice and ROI capability to where it is today. He has also been an excellent and popular manager and an effective member of our executive management group here in the U.S.

"In Tom Love, Bruce has groomed a very strong and worthy successor. Tom has a rich background working on both the client and agency side where he developed expertise in consumer research, data reporting and modeling. This skill set reflects our strategic focus for consumer-based research aligned to our clients' brands, data management and for the continuing development of our ROI proposition going forward."

In a statement, Goerlich said: "I believe Zenith Optimedia's research group is well positioned to continue delivering on ROI, and will reach new heights under Tom's skillful leadership."
 
Love commented: "Bruce has been a truly inspiring mentor and a great friend. At every opportunity, he challenged our team to lead, not follow the competition. The progressive environment Bruce fostered encouraged new ideas and raised our game in every area. Thanks to the foundation he built, I can assume this critical role with the confidence that we are ready to compete and win against the best in our business."