Mindshare Names Adam Gerhart Global CEO

Adam Gerhart has been named global CEO of media agency network Mindshare. He will step into the position previously held by Nick Emery, who was abruptly let go from Mindshare in October following a “clear breach of the company’s code of conduct.” Gerhart, who's been with Mindshare for about 15 years, officially begins his new role at the start of the new year. He currently serves as U.S. CEO, a post he’s held for nearly five years and will continue in while Mindshare searches for a replacement. According to Mindshare, Gerhart led several “media innovations” during his time as U.S. CEO, including the launch of the agency’s Neurolab, a practice that uses neurological data to measure consumer responses to advertising. The Neurolab’s co-leads, Arafel Buzan and James Kelly, were honored among Adweek’s 2020 Media All-Stars. He also oversaw the creation of Mindshare’s first inclusive private marketplace, which essentially makes it easier for brands to advertise alongside content running on LGBTQ+ sites like The Advocate. Advertising blacklists, which help marketers avoid showing digital ads alongside unsavory or harmful content, can sometimes block words such as “queer,” for instance, regardless of context. Because of such keyword blocking, publishers miss out on ad revenue. Mindshare claims its inclusive marketplace aims to fix such issues and funnel more media dollars to LGBTQ+ publishers. In July, the agency rolled out a second inclusive private marketplace, this time with a focus on Black publishers and content creators. “Adam has an unrelenting commitment to clients and to Team Mindshare,” Christian Juhl, global CEO of Mindshare parent company GroupM, said in a statement. “He brings a strategic business sense combined with a commitment to clients and culture. Adam has always played a pivotal role in Mindshare and our clients' success around the world, which makes him the perfect fit to now lead the agency into a new era globally.” Mindshare has offices in 86 countries and employs nearly 10,000 people. Recent wins for the agency include WW and Zespri, a global marketer of kiwi fruit. “The opportunity to lead this incredible group of people leaves me without words to describe my pride and excitement," Gerhart said in a statement. "Media strategy is often defined narrowly, yet its dynamism and creativity can impact the trajectory of a company's business success.”

C-Suite

Mindshare Names Adam Gerhart Global CEO

He replaces Nick Emery, who was ousted in October

Minda Smiley

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Minda Smiley