Marshall Continues Oversight of Agency’s Diversity, Equity & Belonging Efforts and Launches UM WW Media 101 Certificate Program in Partnership with Vox Media

UM, the global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, has announced the elevation of Jeff Marshall to the newly-created role of Chief Diversity Officer. In his expanded role, Marshall will continue to oversee the agency’s Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEB) efforts, including the launch of the UM Worldwide Media 101 Certificate Program in partnership with Vox Media, the leading media company that is home to newsrooms and businesses including New York Magazine, Eater, The Verge and the Vox Media Podcast Network. The Certificate Program is designed to facilitate entry of BIPOC talent into the advertising and media industries.

Marshall most recently served as SVP, Head of DEB, leading the activation efforts for UM’s DEB strategy for internal and external audiences. In his expanded role, Marshall will report directly to UM US CEO, Lynn Lewis, and will be responsible for, among other duties: establishing benchmarks for driving diversity goals and tracking the agency’s progress; collaborating with internal HR teams and DEI leads across IPG and Mediabrands to attract, retain and grow diverse talent; and partnering with external organizations on diversity initiatives to help drive DEB across UM and the industry. Marshall will also continue to helm UM’s DEB Council, the agency’s most active Employee Resource Group advising leadership on policy changes, employee communications strategy and talent programs.

“At UM, we have been on a diversity, equity and belonging journey for many years and Jeff has been an integral part of our progress, planning and goal-setting,” said Lewis. “An empathetic and effective leader, Jeff’s expanded role will allow for even greater opportunity to drive equity across our agency and our industry as we continue to strive for better, helping to futureproof both our own and our clients’ businesses.”

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