Fitzgerald Hires Top Media Exec

After four years’ overseeing the Home Depot account at Initiative Media, George Newi has joined Fitzgerald + Co. to run the agency’s media department.

Newi, 38, started at the Atlanta-based Interpublic Group shop last week as senior vice president, chief media officer. He reports to executive vice president and managing director Lisa Galanti.

Newi replaces John Padgett, who was let go earlier this month. Sources said the agency wanted a media director who would be more independent of the shop’s creative and account management teams.

Newi said he expects to add employees.