In a move that it says reflects commitment to expanding its digital capabilities, JWT Canada has named Michael Aniballi vice-president, managing director of its digital practice.
Aniballi will oversee all of the WPP agency’s digital and social media work and build the agency’s overall digital strategy. He will be charged with strengthening JWT’s position in the market and establishing what the agency describes as “leading” digital systems and social media capabilities.
A release described Aniballi’s hire as a “coup” for JWT, noting that he is one of the country’s leading digital and interactive specialists “with a 10-plus year track record of building and leading digital teams and operations.”
He arrives at JWT from Wunderman, where he was SVP of digital, overseeing the strategic direction of the agency’s digital practice while simultaneously serving as senior team leader for the agency’s Microsoft and Diageo accounts.
He also spent seven years as executive vice-president at Publicis, launching the agency’s digital division in 2000. He has worked with numerous major brands including Microsoft, Nestle, Kraft and Walmart during his career, and is a frequent speaker at the Ivey School of Business.
JWT Canada president and CEO Tony Pigott said in a release that embedding digital and social media into both the agency’s work and culture is a “top priority” for his agency.
“Michael’s leadership and experience will be top assets for us to achieve this,” said Pigott. “He has a great core team to work with, a growing list of active projects and opportunities, and a strong foundation that has been built over the last decade.”
