McCann introduces new job title: Chief technology catalyst

In the interest of identifying technological solutions and opportunities to connect these solutions to clients and their needs, global advertising network McCann has created a new team discipline, Chief technology catalyst.

The CTC will be responsible for driving technology innovation, including new models and partnerships, internally and externally. Four executives have been named to the CTC team, each representing a geographic region — for Asia-Pacific: Gregory Armshaw, promoted from regional technology director for McCann Worldgroup Asia-Pacific; for Europe: Mark Jackson, promoted from digital client services director in McCann UK; for Latin America: Glauco Yasuda, promoted from regional CIO for McCann Worldgroup Latin America; and for North America, Lori Schwartz, a founder of the Interpublic Emerging Media Lab and its director since its inception in 2006.

“We are the frontend of connecting the agency with technology in a meaningful way,” explained Armshaw in a phone interview with Campaign. Although the formal announcement was just made during the Consumer Electronics Show 2012 conference in Las Vegas, the CTCs have been working and delivering solutions in the company for several months.

The role is one that’s still evolving, added Armshaw, but he’s confident it will be one of increasing importance to the organisation. “It’s not so much about a few people, but for us to be a catalyst around what we do – ensuring that our workforce of 20,000 has the resources they need for the innovation and creation of new products that answer client needs.”