IPG picks 'geek' Engelgau as Self exits Acxiom CEO job

IPG has handed the top role at Acxiom to self-confessed “engineering geek” Chad Engelgau in a move which sees him rejoin the company a year after switching to senior data strategy roles within IPG units, most recently at data intelligence division Kinesso.

Engelgau succeeds Dennis Self, who is moving on to pastures new, although not before he helps the new man through the CEO transition.

Self, a former Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy Supply Corps, joined Acxiom in late 2013. He was promoted to CEO three years later and, within two years, Acxiom was sold to IPG for $2.3bn (£1.7bn).

Engelgau started his career at Dell, and over nine years moved through the ranks to become a corporate strategist. In 2006, he quit to join Acxiom, where he stayed for nearly 13 years, ultimately becoming chief marketing and strategy officer. However, six months after IPG bought the business, Engelgau switched to IPG Mediabrands as global chief data strategist and then six months ago took on the same role at Kinesso.

IPG chief operating officer Philippe Krakowsky said: “The role of technology and data science is expanding and Acxiom’s offerings are central to how we help clients manage data in ways that make marketing more valuable for consumers and brands.”

All senior staff report to IPG chief data and technology officer Arun Kumar.

Engelgau said: “By combining data science with all aspects of media and advertising, we have an opportunity to meaningfully improve how people experience marketing. Acxiom and IPG sit at the centre of this transformative moment, with the tools and expertise to help clients maximize customer value.

“As a strategist and engineering geek, I love opportunities for data and tech-enabled change, and am thrilled at the opportunity to lead this great company, which I have loved for the thirteen plus years of working here.”