People on the Move

Agency adam&eveDDB has made three key promotions, upping Sam Lecoeur from growth director to chief client officer, Annabel Barry from new business director to head of new business, and Sarah Todd from client strategy and integration lead to chief growth and integration officer.

Lecoeur joined the agency as a business director in 2016 from AMV, where he led some of the agency’s most creatively awarded accounts such as Guinness Global, Mercedes and Heinz. Following a successful year running the new business team in 2017, he was promoted to managing partner. After leading converted pitches such as Virgin Media and The National Lottery, Lecoeur stepped into the role of growth director in 2022, with a focus on harnessing further growth from existing clients.

As chief client officer, Lecoeur will focus on pursuing innovative, enduring client partnerships with new and existing clients; he will also continue to lead key accounts such as Volkswagen, Mars and Eurostar.

Barry joined adam&eveDDB in 2021 as new business manager. She was promoted to new business director in January 2023 and helped to win a host of new business last year including BT Business, Eurostar, Savills and a coveted spot on Amazon’s roster in September, Barry previously worked at UNIT9 and The Brooklyn Brothers. 

Todd’s job title change reflects how her role delivers growth through integration with new and existing clients--realizing adam&eveDDB’s future growth ambition, in tandem with a deep productive partnership with the wider Omnicom group. 

Todd joined adam&eveDDB a year ago, having been recruited for her broader business and integrated marketing perspective. She was previously growth and integration Lead on WPP’s Unilever team, and before that was U.K. chief executive of Geometry Global. During her career, Todd has worked extensively leading integrated communications, marketing capability and model transformation for global clients including Unilever, GSK, Heineken, Bacardi, and P&G. 

Gap Inc. has tapped American fashion designer Zac Posen as the chain's creative director.

The hire announced on Monday is among the first big personnel moves under the San Francisco-based chain's new CEO Richard Dickson, who took the helm in August and is aiming to turn around years of languishing sales. Dickson had previously been president of toy giant Mattel and was responsible for re-energizing its Barbie and Hot Wheels lines.

Gap also operates stores under Athleta and Banana Republic, Old Navy and its namesake brand.

In a statement, Dickson said Posen's "technical expertise and cultural clarity have consistently evolved American fashion, making him a great fit for the company as we ignite a new culture of creativity across the portfolio and reinvigorate our storied brands."

Posen, who launched his eponymous collection in 2001 and was known for his glamorous body-hugging gowns, was a red carpet favorite for such stars as Katie Holmes and Rihanna. But the business later struggled and was forced to shut down in 2019.

He'll be executive vice president at Gap Inc. and also chief creative officer for the lower-priced Old Navy chain.

Posen will work closely with Haio Barbeito, Old Navy's president and CEO, reporting directly to him, the company said.

Gap's shares rose nearly 1%, or 16 cents, on Monday to close at $19.97. They are up 31% in the last 12 months.

The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) has appointed two new regional directors as it prepares for contract negotiations later this year. Michaella “Micki” Bursalyan joins ICG as Western region director, while ICG veteran John Amman is promoted to Eastern region director. 

“We are fortunate to have two labor leaders like John and Micki step into these important roles as region directors, and I’m looking forward to working with them,” said ICG national executive director Alex Tonisson. “Their skills and experience will help Local 600 grow and thrive during the upcoming Basic Agreement negotiations and beyond.”

With 16 years of experience in the labor movement, Bursalyan is a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights. Prior to joining ICG, Bursalyan served as the staff director for SEIU Local 221 and as sr. coordinator for SEIU International, a 2-million-member international labor organization. She also worked as a television business representative with AFTRA and then SAG/AFTRA early in her career. 

“I’m excited to welcome Micki to the Western region directorship. She’s been a stalwart in the labor movement, she’s experienced, she’s enthusiastic and she’s returning to her roots in our industry,” says Mark Weingartner, ASC, 2nd national vice president.

Amman is a 34-year veteran of Local 600, serving as assistant Eastern Region director and sr. business representative in the New York office, before being appointed Eastern Region director. He brings more than three decades of experience managing the needs of the Eastern region membership.

“I’m thrilled John is deepening his commitment to the ICG membership by taking on this new role,” said Chris Silano, national vice president. “He is an integral part of our community, having earned the respect of our members as well as the productions he has organized. I’m confident his leadership skills will greatly benefit us as we enter an exciting new era.” 

Bursalyan and Amman complete a roster of three region directors, alongside Central region director Theresa Khouri.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Teni Melidonian to chief Oscars officer and MaryJane Partlow to executive VP, awards production and special events. Melidonian will continue to report directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer. Partlow will report to Melidonian.

Melidonian will lead strategy, talent relations, special events and production teams for all awards programs and events in this newly created position. She will collaborate closely with the Oscars producers and show host, Disney/ABC, and Academy leadership, including the Board of Governors and its committees, and oversee the teams involved in developing and executing the Oscars for a global viewing audience.

As the lead liaison with Disney/ABC, the Academy’s broadcast distribution partner, Melidonian heads Oscars ad sales, marketing, advertising and synergy strategies supporting audience growth opportunities globally. Partlow will lead the teams in producing all awards special events throughout the Oscars season, including the Governors Awards, nominations announcement, nominees luncheon, Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Oscars Governors Ball. 

“These positions and department are vital to the Academy’s evolution and success as we head into our 100th Oscars and beyond,” said Kramer. “Teni is creative and forward-thinking--and her years of Academy experience and strong knowledge of our awards are a huge asset for our organization during this exciting and historic time. She played a critical role in the success of last year’s show. MaryJane is a truly innovative leader, and her prowess in producing top-notch events is exceptional. I am deeply grateful for their strategic partnership and support.”

In 2022, under Kramer’s leadership, Melidonian led the newly created Oscars strategy division, successfully creating a unit working year-round on all awards-related programs. The team also oversees guest and nominee ticketing and seating for awards season events and spearheads member screenings.

Melidonian was most recently EVP of Oscars strategy. She began her Academy career in 2005 as a publicist, advancing to head communications and publicity and overseeing brand strategy and marketing before moving over to lead the Oscars Strategy team. Prior to the Academy, Melidonian worked in Washington, D.C., including for the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia. 

Partlow joined the Academy in 2013 and most recently held the position of sr. VP, awards production and special events, contributing significantly to the Academy’s marquee events. Prior to joining the Academy, Partlow produced events for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Emirates airline and several high-profile global philanthropic families.