Optimedia Hires Lilley for New Biz

Publicis Groupe’s Optimedia USA this week adds Bob Lilley in the new post of evp, managing director of media/marketing development.

Lilley, 63, was recruited by Optimedia CEO Mike Drexler, who gave him his first media job in 1966 at Ogilvy & Mather. Drexler has been overseeing new business for the $1.5 billion media network—which handles L’Oréal, BMW, S.C. Johnson and British Airways, among others—since he was named CEO in March 2002.

Drexler was unavailable for comment. Rich Hamilton, North American CEO of the agency’s parent, ZenithOptimedia Group, said Drexler needed help handling the heavy new-business workload.