Raymond Kieser: Schawk's new group MD, Europe

David A Schawk, president and chief executive officer, said, "Ray's experience managing change across disciplines, continents and stakeholders while inspiring employees to excel and grow business makes him a welcome addition to our management team." He added Keiser will lead the company's European operations, collaborating with its business leaders in North America and Asia Pacific.

Kieser, who has played an influential role in the European and South African advertising communities, comes to Schawk with over 10 years of senior leadership experience at leading global advertising agencies in those regions. His background includes leadership positions at J. Walter Thompson (JWT) in London and Cape Town; FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding) South Africa and The Jupiter Drawing Room. Kieser most recently was with JWT London where he served as global director in charge, providing business leadership for Royal Dutch Shell's corporate and recruitment communications across WPP agencies.

140 countries; 35 key markets

While at JWT London, Kieser directed agency network management in over 140 countries with a focus on 35 key markets within Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. During his tenure as managing director at JWT Cape Town, he is credited with helping transform the company into a hub of creativity for the JWT (EMEA) Europe, Middle East and Africa network with solid financial and new business growth. At The Jupiter Drawing Room he led the agency account management and digital disciplines and founded Jupiter New Media.

"I have seen firsthand how integrated thinking can totally transform a business. Much of my career has been built on driving and initiating change and understanding through collaboration on how to create big ideas and integrate them across brand touch points to add value to a client's marketing spend," said Kieser.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in economics, marketing and psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

For more about Schawk, go to www.schawk.com.