First UK MD for WPP's [m]PLATFORM

WPP's recently formed data, analytics and digital services business [m]PLATFORM has hired former Mindshare COO Paul Rowlinson to fill the role of UK Managing Director.

[m]PLATFORM is supported by a team of data scientists, technologists and digital practitioners from across WPP's GroupM specialist companies and Xaxis, the group's audience profiling and targeting division. In December, Group M appointed Alex Stil as President and Sebastiaan Moesman joined as VP of [m]PLATFORM EMEA.

Rowlinson (pictured) joins after thirteen years at WPP's global media agency network Mindshare, where he initially served as Head of Investment, before becoming Investment Director for Audio Visual Media, Head of Exchange, and latterly Chief Operating Officer. Earlier, he held buying roles at IDK Media and Leo Burnett, before moving to Starcom Motive.

Commenting on the appointment, Group M UK CEO Nick Theakstone said: 'Paul brings a strong trading background and a passion to consistently drive the digital agenda for Group M clients. His new role will be pivotal in cementing [m]Platform across all Group M UK agencies, working closely with Stil'.

Web sites: www.wpp.com and www.groupm.com .