GroupM has appointed Ruud Wanck to the newly created position of global chief operating officer for GroupM Interaction.

Effectively immediately, Wanck will focus on GroupM’s digital operations, digital technology, platform strategies and digital trading development in North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

“The creation of this new global role and Ruud’s appointment is designed to further our position in the media services marketplace for the benefit of our stakeholders,” said GroupM global president Dominic Proctor. “At the same time, we want to expand the competitive advantage we bring to our clients and ensure that GroupM and our agencies proactively shape the future and maintain leadership in this space.”

Proctor said Wanck, who currently serves as chief digital officer for GroupM EMEA, will retain those responsibilities and will also join the company’s Global Executive Committee.

“I’m very excited about this new opportunity,” Wanck said. “I've been part of GroupM for many years and look forward to further maximizing the performance of WPP's media communications agencies in digital on a global level.”