OMD’s Hess Moves to Carat

NEW YORK Aegis Group’s Carat has hired Mike Hess as evp, research, marketing science and consumer insights, a new post, the agency has confirmed.

Hess was previously worldwide director of research and insights at Omnicom Group’s OMD.

According to Martin Cass, president of Aegis U.S., the new hire signals the shop’s desire to bolster an area where it already has considerable strength. “We’re building out the apparatus and hiring Mike is a great coup,” he said.

“I thought OMD was great place and will miss all my friends there,” Hess said. “Hopefully I made a good contribution while I was there and this new position at Carat is a great fit for me.”

Hess will oversee Carat’s research, analytics and insights division reporting to Cass. Hess’ direct reports will include svps Theresa La Montagne and Michelle Lynn.

OMD has indicated that Hess would not be replaced and that it is reorganizing its global research and analytics operation, which now reports to Omnicom Media Group global account management president Kate Stephenson.