John Sintras to leave SMG for New York-based role with IPG Mediabrands from next year

After a remarkable 30-year career with Starcom Mediavest Group, Chairman SMG Australia and Director Global Experience Product John Sintras will leave the network to take on a New York-based role with IPG Mediabrands from next year.

Sintras is one of the industry’s most respected, innovative and awarded leaders as well as a widely recognised media figurehead, underscored by his induction into the Media Federation of Australia’s Hall of Fame in 2012 and award as AMI Certified Marketer of the Year in the same year.

Globally, he has led SMG’s Global Experience Product and recently added the responsibility of leading the Human Experience Strategy global team.

“It’s been a long and truly amazing journey with SMG in Australia and globally. I am enormously proud of the many milestones we have achieved together and I know that I leave the Australian business under the capable leadership of Chris Nolan and his executive team,” said Sintras.

Says SMG Australia CEO Chris Nolan:  “John has achieved a great deal in his career at SMG, as a leader for our business, an ambassador within the industry and philanthropist for the community.”

“He has made huge difference to my career and personally I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with John and count him as a colleague and friend.  We all wish him well with his new adventure.”

Says Henry Tajer, new Global CEO, IPG Mediabrands: “John has helped SMG build strong momentum in product innovation, creative and commercial success and those achievements are highly attractive to IPG Mediabrands.

“We’re really pleased that John is attracted to our network. To deliver on our global plans, we need the world’s best, proven talent and John’s track record tells us he is the right executive for this vital new role.”

The chairman role in Australia will not be filled and Sintras’s global role will be taken up by US-based Kathy Kline, a current member of SMG’s Global Product Committee.

Nolan will continue reporting into SMG President, Asia Pacific Mike Amour.

Says Sintras on his new role with IPG Mediabrands: “The plans for IPG Mediabrands into the future are truly impressive. There is a total focus on having the best people, elevating the skill sets and resourcing the people and businesses that do the most surprising and effective work for clients. It is an opportunity that is a logical next step for my career.”

Sintras’ career has spanned three decades, starting initially with Leo Burnett in Australia, later progressing to launching the Starcom brand. He was appointed CEO of SMG Australia in 2007. He has been recognised with a rare Australian Media Federation Hall of Fame Award and was also named Marketer of the Year by The Australian Marketing Institute.

Sintras’s departure date from SMG is yet to be announced.