Sara Hill will step down as president of M2 Universal at the end of June, according to a statement from the media services company.
No reason was given for Hill’s departure, although she confirmed in a release that the next chapter in her career would be outside the agency sector. Hill has been with M2 parent MacLaren McCann Canada since 1979, succeeding longtime president Hugh Dow in 2008.
Her tenure is characterized by the usual assortment of high-profile account wins and losses. This year alone has seen M2 retain the CBC English Services assignment it has held since 2007, win the Wind Mobile assignment, and lose longtime client GM Canada to Carat as part of a global review.
In a release, MacLaren McCann Canada president and CEO Doug Turney praised Hill’s “unwavering commitment to collaboration and innovation,” and referred to her as one of the country’s premiere media negotiators and strategists.
“We thank Sara for her invaluable contribution and wish her continued success,” said Turney. “Her passion for the media business and loyalty to her team will be greatly missed.”
Hill joined MacLaren McCann as a media assistant in 1979. After moving to Vickers & Benson in 1985, she returned to MacLaren to help Dow launch M2 Universal. Hill also helped build the agency’s digital and retail media divisions and serves on several industry boards.
“Sara’s leadership and dedication to her colleagues, clients and the media industry is widely recognized across our company network and the broader marketing community,” said Peter Mears, president of Mediabrands Canada.
Hill’s successor has not been named, but the search is underway, said the company in the release. She will support the agency during the transition period.
“M2 Universal is well positioned for continued success and leadership in the Canadian marketplace, and I am especially proud to work with such a talented and passionate team of media innovators and top-tier clients, who together are relentless in delivering results,” said Hill.
