Newly-appointed IPG Mediabrands global chief executive Henry Tajer has continued his shake-up of the group’s senior management with the recruitment of Starcom MediaVest Group’s (SMG) John Sintras.

Tajer, who stepped from COO to CEO on 1 May, has appointed Sintras as president, global business development and product innovation. Based in New York, he will report to Tajer, and joins newly-appointed global COO Jim Hytner as part of a fresh leadership team.

Sintras, previously a Festival of Media Global Awards judge, joins from his post as director, global experience product for SMG, where he was in charge of evaluating and benchmarking the quality of the company’s work globally. He also spent six years as chief executive of SMG Australia.

During his tenure, Sintras is credited with helping SMG to become Cannes Media Network of the Year in 2014 and Festival of Media Asia Awards Media Network of the Year in March.

“[Sintras] has helped SMG build strong momentum in product innovation, creative and commercial success and those achievements are highly attractive to IPG Mediabrands,” said Tajer.

“We’re really pleased that [he] is attracted to our network. To deliver on our global plans, we need the world’s best, proven talent and John’s track record tells us he is the right executive for this vital new role.”

Sintras added: “The plans for IPG Mediabrands into the future are truly impressive. There is a total focus on having the best people, elevating the skill sets and resourcing the people and businesses that do the most surprising and effective work for clients. It is an opportunity that is a logical next step for my career.”