De Nardis leaves Mediaedge:cia, and its forerunner CIA-MediaNetwork, after more than 12 years to join Aegis, which is currently the subject of intense takeover speculation. Earlier today Havas chairman Vincent Bollore raised his stake in Aegis to 20.13%.
It is unclear exactly when de Nardis, who has more than 25 years of experience in the advertising industry, will join Aegis. When he does he will oversee the two Aegis media networks, Carat and Vizeum, as well as digital network Isobar and outdoor ad business Posterscope
Robert Lerwill, CEO of Aegis Group, said: "Changes in technology and lifestyles are putting media at the heart of customer communications. The principal Aegis Media brands are well placed and focused. They are outgrowing their markets and Mainardo will be leading the strong management team already in place. He brings a wealth of experience to us in the international media buying and planning arena and his appointment reflects well on Aegis Media."
De Nardis, who is 44, began his career in 1980 working first on the advertising side of the business at McCann Erickson and Young & Rubicam. He went on to found Albert Cremona in 1987 before he moved into media, as deputy chairman and a partner at MediaNetwork in Italy.
In 1993 MediaNetwork merged with CIA and de Nardis arrived in the UK as CEO of the merged business for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
In 1997 Mainardo joined the board of CIA-MediaNetwork's parent company, Tempus Group and later succeeded Chris Ingram as CEO of CIA Worldwide. After WPP bought Tempus in 2002 Mainardo was appointed CEO of Mediaedge:cia.
"I've watched Aegis Media keenly for many years now. And I've constantly been struck by the determination, entrepreneurship and creativity I see there," de Nardis said.
Mainardo de Nardis' CV
1980
McCann-Erickson
1981
Young & Rubicam, account director
1987
Alberto Cremona, co-founder
1988
Medianetwork, Milan, vice-chairman and partner
1993
CIA Medianetwork Europe, managing director
1997
CIA-MediaNetwork Europe Holdings, chief executive
1998
CIA MediaNetwork UK, chairman and acting chief executive
2002
Mediaedge:cia, CEO
2005
Aegis Media, CEO
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