Kim Lion to head UM Melbourne in MD role

UM Australia has appointed its chief client officer Kim Lion to be managing director of UM Melbourne as current Melbourne managing director David Angell prepares to go client side as executive media director with UM client Target.

Lion is one of UM Australia’s most senior executives and a member of the national board. She has been chief client officer for the past 18 months and was previously a group director at UM for four years.

Says Mat Baxter, UM Australia CEO: “Kim is one of the most talented media professionals I have worked with in terms of her people skills, client relationships and commercial capabilities.

“We wish David every success as he moves to the client side. He has done a very good job for UM in setting the stage for our Melbourne office.  

“Melbourne is a vital and dynamic media market and we have ambitious plans for 2013 and beyond. Kim will now lead the implementation of those plans and she will have full support from me and our national management team.”

Lion said taking the MD role in Melbourne was an exciting challenge.

Says Lion: “In my national client role I have been very close to the Melbourne office and the agency’s work and business environment is very familiar to me. I am looking forward to taking on the new role.”

Lion’s appointment is effective February 1 after a handover period with David Angell prior to his departure to his new role with Target.