EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR NATIONAL BROADCAST
INITIATIVE U.S.
Kristian (Kris) Magel serves as Executive Vice President, Director National Broadcast for Initiative, one of the Interpublic Group's (NYSE: IPG) two worldwide media networks and part of the company's IPG Mediabrands unit. He is responsible for overseeing all national negotiations and related activities for the agency's major television marketing clients including Hyundai, Kia, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Miller Coors, Lionsgate, Merck, USAA, Hasbro Toys, Vizio, Ameriprise, Kao Brands, Victoria's Secret, PETCO and Nikon.
Prior to joining Initiative in 2007, Kris held the position of Senior Vice President, National Broadcast at Zenith where he created a fully integrated buying unit for Maybelline/Garnier that recognized early on the value of digital media working in conjunction with television. The group had the versatility to build custom 360° partnerships across multiple platforms, including the negotiation of digital extensions and other emerging media venues. This strategic activation approach was a key factor in him being named a 2007 "Media All-Star" by Mediaweek. Prior to Zenith, Kris worked at Optimedia in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President, National Broadcast, where he managed clients including T-Mobile, Whirlpool, BMW, New York Life Insurance and Dreyfus. He also worked for DeWitt Media handling TV and Radio accounts including Discovery Networks, Reebok and Lexmark.
A veteran with nearly two decades of experience in the media business, Kris has proven himself a formidable negotiator who has earned the respect of networks for both his analytical approach to the marketplace and his passionate representation of clients. His reputation for articulate, informed intelligence also makes him a favorite with the press and a popular panelist at industry events. In addition to ensuring his clients pay the "right price" for their TV schedules, Kris' passion continues to lie in developing custom integrated solutions across media platforms. A progressive thinker who still believes in the power of the television medium to deliver an engaged audience, Kris sees mass media today as infinitely more powerful in combination with digital venues like online display and video, search, social and mobile.
He received his Bachelors of Arts degree from the John Wiley School of Business at the State University of New York at Geneseo. He makes his home with his family in New York City and East Hampton, New York.
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