What you need to know:

• UM's Fiona Johnston has been promoted to Global Chief Growth Officer for IPG Mediabrands.
• Johnston has lead the agency through significant growth, including major client wins such as the Australian Government, Nestle, Menulog, David Jones and Mattel.
• IPG Mediabrands said new UM CEO will be announced "imminently".

CEO of UM Australia, Fiona Johnston is returning to London to become IPG Mediabrands Global/EMEA Chief Growth Officer.

She will be responsible for growth opportunities in support of both Global and EMEA markets, as well as working with the Interpublic Group on group coordination.

Johnston has been CEO of UM Australia since October 2017, leading the agency through a significant growth period with client retentions such as Coca-Cola, Kmart and ING – along with wins such as Nestlé, Menulog, David Jones and Mattel.

She also led the agency to its most significant win, the master media account for the Australian Government, which UM had lost three years earlier to Dentsu.

Prior to joining UM, Johnston drove MediaCom's marketing and business development, leading its national pitches.

“We are sad to be losing Fiona and also elated she is going to a new, senior position and still in our wider network. She has been a passionate and highly successful CEO of UM, evidenced by important wins in new business, client retention and awards. Fiona leaves with our gratitude and we wish her every success in the new role,” said Mediabrands Australia CEO, Mark Coad.

“I am sad to be leaving Coady and the team at such an exciting time for UM in Australia. It really is the best bunch of strong, amazing humans and I’m so proud to have been a part of our shared success," Johnston said.

A replacement for Johnston has been appointed and will be announced "imminently", according to Mediabrands.