Western International Media in senior rejig
Mike Smallwood, Western Interna-tional Media, Europe chief executive, has been appointed to head the network’s expansion outside Europe.
Smallwood, who keeps his present title, will have responsibility for developing the joint venture media partnership with Western USA in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. He will continue to head the UK operation.
Anders Liljeblad will become Western International Media, Europe chief executive – European operations. He is the founder of Lowe-owned Swedish company Message Plus Media.
Both men will report to the Western International Media, Europe board. Western denies Smallwood’s new role is a sideways move. A spokeswoman says: “Western is on the verge of announcing a series of joint ventures in continental Europe and an additional person is needed to concentrate just on this area.”
Liljeblad will relocate to London.
At the same time Western has announced its entry into the French market, through a partnership with sister Interpublic Group agency Alice.
The French operation will now be managed by Stéphane Bodier, currently Alice media director, who becomes managing director, Western International Media, France. He will report directly to Anders.
Western International Media launched in the UK in March through a partnership between The Lowe Group, Initiative Media Worldwide and US Western International Media. It launched in the Netherlands in June.
