Better Partnership

As UM Canada, CEO, Shelley Smit has led the agency to historical highs which include innovative business partnerships and a mountain of industry awards. Shelley’s tireless efforts in promoting positive company culture with a specialized focus on employee development have resulted in industry-leading low turnover rates within the Canadian agency. She knows that it takes dedicated talent to deliver on UM’s promise of Better Science, Better Art and Better Outcomes.

As VP, Finance, Greg Bonin oversees all financial operations for UM Canada. Working collaboratively with the leadership team, Greg is responsible for financial forecasting, improving strategic planning practices and streamlining business processes. With extensive experience working client side, his current position embodies the critical role of financial management.  In a broader context, Greg’s leadership role also encompasses providing client support, including ongoing client contract developments and, above all, ensuring a seamless and successful client experience to drive better business outcomes.

Sandra Clark has been EVP, Client Business Partner since joining the agency in 2013. Currently overseeing a team responsible for several of UM’s leading clients, Sandra doesn’t shy away from rolling up her sleeves to guarantee her clients overcome their biggest business challenges. With more than 25 years of experience in the advertising industry, Sandra prides herself on the fact that her role touches upon all facets of media.

Richard Fofana is a business leader with a passion for developing new and provocative ideas and bringing them to life. As EVP Strategy, he works with clients to help them successfully navigate the changing media and cultural landscape while building best in class plans to grow their businesses. Tapping experience in strategic planning, product innovation and media strategy, Richard brings a unique, cross-discipline approach to tackling challenges and guiding teams to transform insights into action.

As EVP, Client Business Partner, Sébastien Houle has proven himself to be both a dedicated planner and a true 360 media strategist. He blends strategy with creativity in order to build brands from the ground up. Sébastien always ensures he understands the unique business goals of his clients and prioritizes long-term outcomes as opposed to only focusing on short-term results.

As EVP, Digital, Erica Kokiw brings a skillset that spans across communications planning, media investment, client service and digital integration. Erica’s focus targets leading-edge product development, delivering client value through media partnerships and creating best-in-class digital strategies. She shares her passion for the industry by taking time to train and mentor UM teams while keeping staff up to date on digital trends.

As EVP, Client Business Partner, Kate Mateer is an industry veteran with a proven track record in brand building across Canada. Her current role sees her leading priority client business using a solid foundation of media principles and planning. Focused on the future, Kate ensures her client opportunities and endeavours achieve top results. Under her specialized guidance, Kate’s teams have launched, crafted and designed complex integrated marketing communications plans.

As EVP, Client Business Partner, Robert Perri possesses keen insights into what motivates consumers to connect with brands while understanding the unique challenges faced by today’s marketers. Using this knowledge, Robert employs a measured approach to design effective solutions by developing campaigns that both resonate with the consumer and propel brands to a higher level. His intense commitment to innovation and results-based focus consistently lead his team to success.

As EVP, Client Business Partner, Ben Seaton brings energy and passion to all his campaigns. With 18 years of experience on all sides of the media landscape including direct client side experience, he recognizes his client’s unique needs and is able to tailor his focus accordingly. Ben strives to develop his team by guiding them through high pressure situations and ultimately takes pride in their collaborative success.

Dan Zangrando is the strategic lead for all investment activity. With focus on brand integration, sponsorship and industry trends, Dan translates his insights into actionable plans for his clients. Working closely with the VP and Client Business Partners, Dan is a proven negotiator, thoughtful leader and passionate agency ambassador. Having spent his entire career at UM, Dan offers an in-depth understanding of the agency exclusive to him alone.