- Steve McClellan

NEW YORK Stephen Allan, worldwide CEO of WPP Group's MediaCom, is rapidly assembling his global management team, revealing six senior appointments, including the promotion of David Kyffin to global chief ROI and direct marketing officer. Separately, Mick Mernagh has been named global chief insight officer.

Those moves follow the elevation last month of Doug Cherkeris to North American CEO.

Kyffin had been managing director of direct and digital for GroupM, WPP's media agency management arm. Kyffin will now focus on planning for direct-response-related disciplines, for both online and offline media. Prior to his GroupM role, Kyffin led MediaCom U.K.'s DM department.

Mernagh was director of consumer insight at MediaCom U.K. In his new post, he is tasked with maintaining consumer insight as the central focus of MediaCom's communications planning.

"I'm delighted that these appointments are [from] existing MediaCom staff, underlining the depth of talent we have," said Allan, who was named global CEO in August. "Further appointments that we're making in the areas of client service, finance and marketing also draw on the existing pool of talent at MediaCom, ensuring continuity both in our culture and our offering to clients."
 
The agency also appointed Jeremy Griffiths global business science officer, overseeing the development of econometric models and related activity. Previously he held a similar role at MediaCom U.K.
 
The shop also disclosed three other appointments: Julian Neuburger takes on the role of global chief client services officer; Simon Tray was named global CFO at MediaCom; and Ida Hemmingsson-Holl has been appointed MediaCom's global marketing director.

The appointments take effect in January.