Craig Farrell, the managing director of media agency Starcom is to take over the reins at ZenithOptimedia, which became part of the Core Media group earlier this year.
Farrell has been with Starcom for the past 12 years and has served as its managing director for the past 9 years. When he started, there were only three people in Starcom, and since then Craig and his team have built it into one of the most prestigious brands in the industry. Starcom has grown significantly in recent years and has picked up numerous awards along the way including Media Agency of the Year in 2013. His replacement at the agency is expected to be announced soon and Farrell is expected to take up his new role towards the end of this year.
The ZenithOptimedia brand is one of the strongest media brands in the world with over 7,400 people working in 262 offices across 74 countries. In February, Core Media announced that it was taking over the Irish franchise of ZenithOptimedia, positioning it alongside its other media brands like Starcom, MediaVest, Mediaworks and Radical. Since then Clear Blue Water, which was also part of Core Media, has been merged with ZenithOptimedia.  Clients of the Irish agency include Red Bull, Reckitt Benckiser, SCA, eOne Films, Coty, AA, Peugeot, Disney, IDA, and The National Dairy Council.
Commenting on the new appointment Alan Cox, chief executive, Core Media Group, said “ZenithOptimedia is one of the most famous and admired media brands in the world and it has an exciting future in the Irish market”
According to Craig Farrell, “I am really excited about leading the next chapter in ZenithOptimedia’s growth in Ireland. It is a highly respected global brand with massive potential in this market. We have big plans and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
