Zodiak digital chief departs

Zodiak’s digital boss Marco Ferrari is leaving the company to be replaced by Nicola Drago.

Ferrari, who is chairman and CEO of Zodiak Active, the global digital arm of Zodiak Media, will step down at the end of the year.

Drago, currently VP of strategy and new business, will take over as CEO from January 2014.

Ferrari originally founded the company as Neo Network 14 years ago before it was acquired by De Agostini in 2007. It then evolved into the global digital and branded arm of Zodiak, with Ferrari appointed chief digital officer of Zodiak Entertainment in 2010.

Following the 2011 merger of RDF Contact and Neo Network into Zodiak Active, Ferrari moved into his current role of chairman and CEO of Zodiak Active.

“On behalf of everyone at Zodiak, I would like to thank Marco for his incredible commitment and service to this group since Neo Network became part of Zodiak,” said Zodiak Media CEO David Frank. “He is one of the most intelligent and talented senior executives within the group and his contribution to strategy, planning and debate will be missed.”

Frank added: “Since I arrived at Zodiak I have watched Nicola develop into a leader and outstanding executive. He deserves this opportunity and Zodiak Active is lucky to have him as its CEO.”

The news is the latest management reshuffle at Zodiak Active.

In July, Robert Marsh, who was MD of the company’s UK division since January 2012, left the company and has since set up his own consulting business.

It also follows Zodiak America’s recent decision to rebrand Zodiak USA as Zodiak Los Angeles, hiring Tony Yates to lead the entity.