Optimedia hires Cordiant man as new md

Optimedia will confirm Simon Matthews as its UK managing director next week.

Matthews, chief executive of Cordiant subsidiary Equinox Communications, will report to Optimedia’s European chairman Simon Lloyd. He replaces John Taylor, who was appointed director of Optimedia’s European operations in November.

Matthews’ name has been linked with the position for some time, but Optimedia is planning to announce the appointment to its staff next week. The announcement has been delayed while Matthews negotiates his departure from Cordiant.

A number of high-profile industry figures have been linked with the post in the four months since the vacancy appeared, but all appear to have been tempted by bigger salary offers to stay put.

A number of Optimedia sources have registered disquiet at how long the post has taken to fill. As a subsidiary of Publicis, Optimedia’s biggest clients include British Airways and Renault.

Matthews, former media director of Young & Rubicam, joined Acme Media in 1994 to rebrand it as Equi-nox, offering market and brand advice plus media-buying and planning. He was unavailable for comment.