Stagwell (STGW) Appoints Slavi Samardzija as Chief Data and Platforms Officer to Drive Cutting-Edge, Holistic Data Strategy

Rhea-AI Summary

Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) has appointed Slavi Samardzija as Chief Data and Platforms Officer in a newly created position, effective September 4, 2025. Samardzija brings over 25 years of experience in data and technology, including 15 years at WPP and 10 years at Omnicom, where he most recently served as Global CEO of Annalect.

In his new role, Samardzija will lead the development of Stagwell's data and platform strategy, focusing on implementing the company's ID Graph and AI-powered orchestration system, The Machine. His extensive background includes building platform and service companies that help Fortune 500 businesses leverage data for B2C and B2B marketing improvements.

Positive

• Strategic appointment of experienced executive with 25+ years in data and technology
• Focus on advancing AI-powered systems and digital transformation initiatives
• Leadership addition strengthens company's data and platform capabilities

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, announced the appointment of Slavi Samardzija as Chief Data and Platforms Officer at Stagwell, effective today. In this newly created role, Samardzija will lead the development and execution of a forward-looking data and platform strategy as Stagwell implements its ID Graph and The Machine. 

Samardzija brings over 25 years of experience in data and technology, with deep knowledge in building fast-growing platform and service companies that help Fortune 500 businesses use data to improve their marketing, both for consumers (B2C) and other businesses (B2B). 

"Samardzija's leadership will be a driving force behind our holistic data and platform strategy, reinforcing our commitment to champion digital transformation and deliver innovative results for our clients," commented Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn. "Samardzija will play a vital role across all of our product lines with a key focus on advancing our new AI-powered orchestration operating system The Machine."

With numerous executive roles across his 15 years at WPP and more than 10 years at Omnicom, most recently serving as Global CEO at Omnicom Media Group Company's Annalect, Samardzija has a proven track record of building teams and solutions that utilize data, machine learning, and AI to deliver improved business results for advertisers.

Samardzija remarked on his new role: "I'm excited to join a company that has made digital transformation, proprietary data, and AI core to its strategy from its inception. I look forward to accelerating Stagwell's growth and its data and platform strategy."

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 45+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Contact
Stagwell
PR@stagwellglobal.com

 

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SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

FAQ

Who is Stagwell's new Chief Data and Platforms Officer?

Slavi Samardzija has been appointed as Stagwell's Chief Data and Platforms Officer, effective September 4, 2025.

What is Slavi Samardzija's experience before joining Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW)?

Samardzija has over 25 years of experience in data and technology, including 15 years at WPP and 10 years at Omnicom, where he was Global CEO of Annalect.

What will be Samardzija's main responsibilities at Stagwell?

He will lead the development and execution of Stagwell's data and platform strategy, focusing on implementing the ID Graph and The Machine, an AI-powered orchestration operating system.

How does this appointment align with Stagwell's business strategy?

The appointment aligns with Stagwell's focus on digital transformation and AI integration, reinforcing their commitment to deliver innovative results through data-driven marketing solutions.