McCann Worldgroup’s MRM Hires Chief Technology Officer

Jayna Kothary steps into the role after five years at WPP, where she most recently served as CTO for global clients. In that role, Kothary was based out of the U.K. and worked with the holding company’s largest global clients to help them utilize data, technology and partnerships for business transformation.

A qualified chartered accountant and business strategist, Kothary began her career as a management consultant. Prior to joining WPP, she held technology leadership roles at BP and Vodafone.

“We’re thrilled that Jayna is joining us. Her experience working as an agency CTO on global clients, as well as with large multinationals, makes her an ideal fit as we continue to expand our technology, data and ecommerce capabilities,” said MRM global CEO Kate MacNevin, who was promoted to the chief executive role from president in late 2018, in a statement.

“Technology and data science, along with strategy and creativity, are among our key expertise pillars,” she added. “And she is joining us at a point when we are at a new peak in terms of integrating all of these capabilities on behalf of our clients.”

Kothary’s hire comes as MRM has expanded its data, analytics and technology capabilities in recent years, including the launch of four proprietary data and analytics software programs, as well as growing its MRM Commerce capabilities.

“Kate and her outstanding team at MRM have been setting the industry bar on how agencies can continue to innovate with technology in ways that can directly benefit client growth initiatives,” Kothary said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be able to bring my experience to bear and be a part of the team that has been driving MRM’s impressive growth and performance.”

Kothary joins MRM following a series of reductions in workforce across the network. In April, MRM laid off 5% of staff across the U.S. due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, about a week after McCann Worldgroup announced a series of cost-cutting measures including layoffs, furloughs and salary cuts. During an earnings call late last month, Michael Roth, CEO of McCann holding company IPG, characterized IPG’s Q2 9.9% organic net revenue decline as “not as severe” as predicted.