-By Steve McClellan

NEW YORK Interpublic Group's Initiative has hired Carolyn Dubi as svp, director of print media, effective June 9. Her purview includes newspapers and magazines.

Dubi joins the shop from Publicis Groupe's Starcom MediaVest Group, where as vp, North American planning director, she led the Samsung account from New York, where she will continue to be based.

Dubi succeeds Beth Fidoten, who will remain with Initiative and report to Dubi, the agency said. (Fidoten's title moving forward has not been determined.)

Dubi reports to Initiative USA president Tim Spengler, who said in a statement: "Carolyn has a distinct blend of experience and vision that makes her a fitting addition to the Initiative team. She loves print and has a track record that proves it works."

Commenting on her new role, Dubi said: "I look forward to carrying on the momentum that's been built by Initiative through the print world, by ramping up our strategic thinking to dramatically increase the number of integrated programs available to Initiative's clients."

Before SMG, Dubi, 37, worked at several agencies, including IPG's Universal McCann, WPP Group's Mediaedge:cia and Ogilvy & Mather and Publicis' Saatchi & Saatchi. Her client portfolio includes Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Dr Pepper and Post Cereals, among others.

Sources said Dubi resigned yesterday and that SMG has not yet selected a replacement for her. SMG execs could not immediately be reached for comment.