Tim Hipperson is to take on his first senior role in a media agency after ZenithOptimedia revealed it had hired the G2 Joshua boss as its new chief executive to take the business to “the next level”.
Hipperson will succeed Gerry Boyle, who is to become global managing partner and UK chairman of the Publicis Groupe-owned business.
He will start in April and will be responsible for the operation of the ZenithOptimedia Group in the UK, including Zenith, Optimedia, Performics, Newcast, Ninah and Meridian.
Hipperson joined G2 Joshua two years ago and oversaw a rebranding. His decision to leave was revealed late last year, although it triggered intense speculation as to where he might end up.
Seen as a ‘network man’, Hipperson has held senior roles at both WPP and IPG businesses. He started his career at the Database Group in 1990, before switching agency side in 1995 to become data planning director at Tequila. In 2000, he joined IPG-owned McCann Relationship Marketing.
He remained within IPG for his next job, as global digital director at DraftFCB. He left there in 2007 to join RMG, taking over from Jonathan Harman.
Hipperson left the agency after a restructure in 2009 that saw it fold into sister business JWT London. He then launched his own consultancy, Morph, before joining G2.
Boyle said: “Tim’s reputation for taking agencies to the next level in their evolution makes him the ideal candidate for this role.
“We have built one of the most robust media agencies in the UK and as our industry continues to pivot on innovation, integration, data and digital experiences, his extensive insight and unmatched experience in this sector makes him an exceptional leader for driving future-focused capability for us and our clients.”
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