CMI Media Group promoted Leanne Smith to be its EVP of data strategy and governance, the agency announced Tuesday morning.
Smith, who has been with the 2023 MM+M Agency 100 honoree for 20 years, most recently served as SVP of business insights and data analytics.
Previously, she served as VP of insights and analytics, as well as senior director of insights and analytics.
Before joining CMI, Smith worked at agencies like Dudnyk Healthcare Group and FCB.
Smith will bring her considerable experience at CMI to the new role, including a background in strategy, data insights and data connections.
She’ll spearhead three main areas of data, including data strategy and reporting, data ownership and governance, and data regulation, privacy and compliance strategy.
The move reflects the agency’s goals in data privacy standards as well as data governance, CMI stated in a press release.
“Prioritizing a strategic approach to data has ensured our clients continue successfully on their mission to bring life-improving healthcare solutions to patients and healthcare professionals,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m proud to be leading my team into this exciting future in this new position on our executive leadership team.”
In particular, Smith has been tasked with leading the company’s efforts in bolstering data utilization and data quality – and developing strong governance frameworks. This comes as the healthcare industry awaits more policy changes and regulation around data privacy – and agencies seek to prepare clients for those potential impacts down the road.
Smith will also be entrusted with collaborating across teams at CMI Media Group to maintain seamless data integration.
Paul Kaallukaran, chief analytics and insights officer at CMI Media Group, noted that Smith’s appointment reflects her contributions to the company during her two-decade tenure.
That includes 180% growth in the data analytics team within the last five years under her leadership, as well as its expansion into business intelligence and business process.
“Leanne has played a critical role in driving the strategic vision for our data initiatives and ensuring the highest standards of governance, making her indispensable to our clients,” Kallukaran said in a statement. “With data at the center of all advertising decisions today, she has consistently brought essential value to our clients.”
Smith’s promotion comes days after the agency elevated Mark Pappas to EVP of innovation.
In February, the agency also announced Matt Durham was joining as global director of its new regional hub in London.
A perennial presence on the Agency 100 list, CMI grew in staff size to 966 full-timers last year while its revenue also rose 7%.
