Wunderman Names Global Chief Data Officer

In the US, digital agency network Wunderman has given Gary Laben the role of Global Chief Data Officer, responsible for expanding its data assets, data management and analytics practices.

The network comprises advertising, marketing and consulting companies which specialize in combining creative, data and technology to connect customers and brands. Founded by brothers Lester and Irving Wunderman in 1958, it now has 175 offices in 60 countries.

Laben (pictured) has served as CEO of WPP's data-driven customer insights specialist KBM Group for more than fourteen years, while also working as Wunderman's President of Data and Insights since early 2013. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly five years at Experian Marketing Services as VP, Marketing and Business Development.

In his new role, working alongside Global Chief Creative Officer Lincoln Bjorkman, Laben will ensure that data-driven insights and creative are aligned consistently across the company, and that best practices in data, data management and analytics tools and techniques are adhered to worldwide.

He will continue in his role as CEO of KBM Group, and report to CEO Mark Read. Laben explains: 'Wunderman's extensive global footprint and well-honed data management capabilities are a unique set of assets among agencies. By more closely integrating these assets, we will bring world-class creative marketing solutions to our clients, and strengthen their competitive advantage.'

Web site: www.wunderman.com .