Cathy Saidiner, the former president of McCann Erickson L.A., has been named to the new position of president of digital agency Blitz.
Press release from BLITZ:
SANTA MONICA, CA –
Digital agency BLITZ has named former McCann Erickson L.A. president Cathy Saidiner to the new position of president.
“Digital agencies are rapidly becoming the most powerful partner of progressive marketers. We recognize the opportunity for BLITZ to transform from a digital partner into a 21st century brand partner; one that is poised to lead all aspects of brand strategy and activation for our clients. We’re pleased to have Cathy (Saidiner) join BLITZ,” said Blitz co-founder and CEO Ivan Todorov. “She’s going to evolve our client relationships, allowing us to lead strategically while fortifying our existing offerings in brand strategy, creative, technology, social, mobile, digital products, search, media, and measurement.”
As president, Saidiner will lead client services and oversee brand strategy and delivery for BLITZ, leading brands from a trusted point of partnership. “Cathy has immense proficiency and knowledge around forming and managing client relationships. Our clients partner with us in our mission to create unforgettable communications and durable brand connections with consumers and Cathy’s leadership will help us sustain our recent strong growth,” added Todorov.
Saidiner’s hire comes in the wake of recent BLITZ account wins including Dole and VIZIO, and continued growth in key accounts. “BLITZ strives to give brands the courage to speak authentically across all consumer touch-points: digital, emerging and mobile channels, and traditional media platforms. Not only will Cathy serve as a leader in building stronger trusted relationships with clients, her experience makes her a valuable source of expertise inside the agency as we add new discipline groups and expand our account teams,” offered Blitz co-founder and CCO Ken Martin.
“I couldn’t be happier to join this incredibly talented and innovative team. BLITZ is capitalizing on its digital DNA to provide a new level of brand leadership, and I look forward to helping them accelerate that trajectory,” said Saidiner.
Ms. Saidiner, who joined McCann Erickson L.A. as president in 2008, was previously global account director and group account director at TBWA\Chiat\Day (2004-2008). Earlier, she was in brand management at Mars, Inc., and was national advertising manager for Nissan North America’s Infiniti Division. She holds an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, and a BBA in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.