Magid Promotes for EVP Local Media Role

US-based custom research and strategy firm Magid has promoted long-time employee Jaime Spencer to EVP, Head of Local Media. He joins the Executive Leadership Team, and replaces Steve Ridge, who moves to the role of Senior Advisor.

The company was founded by television 'news doctor' Frank N. Magid in 1957, and boasts particular expertise in studying how behavior is affected by content and advertising across traditional and new media platforms. This year it has embarked on a series of senior hires, including former Coke insights leader Jane Fuller as VP, Strategy Consultant; Brian Ahladas as VP of its Media Strategy Group; Brian Katz as SVP, Product and Data Strategy; former GfK exec Tim Spenny and former CMI Research exec Steve Flynn, both as SVPs; and most recently former HBO Domestic Television President Scott Carlin, as EVP, Global Media & Entertainment.

Spencer (pictured) started with the company in 2002 as a Consulting Associate; and has also worked in consumer PR for Edelman, as a reporter, and as General Manager of a daily paper at Gannett, publisher of USA Today. He comments: 'It is a challenging, but opportunistic time for local media organizations. I couldn't be more excited to help our clients take advantage of changes occurring in the market and continue to be successful'.

President and CEO Brent Magid says, 'Steve has dedicated more than 30 years of his career shaping our local media practice into what it is today and we're grateful for his strategic guidance. Under Jaime's leadership, I'm excited about the new services we're bringing to our clients to help them succeed in the areas of greatest opportunity for their business. Jaime brings both tremendous historical perspective and new thinking that has led to numerous client successes'.

Web site: www.magid.com .