Mark Ashley-Wilson set to join UM

One of Australia’s high profile and most respected digital communications experts, Mark Ashley-Wilson, will be joining UM as national digital director, based in Sydney.  Ashley-Wilson has worked in the business for 13 years as a head of interactive, executive producer, creative director and digital director for agencies including Lowe, Hothouse, Three Drunk Monkeys and Tequila. He is recognised as an industry specialist in web strategy and online branding. He is often invited to judge award shows and so far he’s been a jury member at Cannes, Clios, D&AD, Kodak Gongs, Adfest and was Chairman of Judges (Digital Category) at AWARD. When Ashley-Wilson is not working or judging award shows he spends considerable time blogging. He is an editor of Adverblog.com, which has reached as high as the fourth most hit marketing blog in the world.

When Ashley-Wilson is not working or judging award shows he spends considerable time blogging. He is an editor of Adverblog.com, which has reached as high as the fourth most hit marketing blog in the world.

“Having Mark join the UM team and our senior management is a real coup for us,” said UM CEO and executive chairman of Mediabrands Henry Tajer.  “His perspective on the development and capabilities of digital communications will provide valuable insights for our clients and for our national digital communications team across all four offices.”

Ashley-Wilson commented: “Joining such an experienced, yet young and curious team is fantastic. UM are already world-class digital experts, I’m here to help them build on that. Digital is now a part of every single thing we do. I’m coming in to help them continue and grow digital thinking for all their clients, whatever that digital medium may be.”

Ashley-Wilson will start work with UM on Thursday September 30. He will initially report to Tajer, then to Mat Baxter when he starts as CEO of UM Australia.