Omnicom Group has named Rita E. Rodriguez Executive Vice President, effective immediately.
In this newly created position, Rodriguez will lead multi-agency integration and innovation for PepsiCo.
Rodriguez was previously CEO of Imagination, an experiential integrated communications company. Prior to Imagination, she was CEO of the US arm of WPP's The Brand Union, a strategic branding and design firm, where she led the repositioning and rebranding of multiple businesses and served as a strategic advisor and partner for clients on brand and business issues. Before joining The Brand Union in 2004, Rodriguez was Managing Director of Corporate Branding at Omnicom's Interbrand.
In making the announcement, John Wren, President and CEO of Omnicom Group, said, "Rita is a builder of brands, businesses and bridges. She is a tireless collaborator, experienced in all facets of branding and strategic development and, having lived in both worlds, appreciates the nuances of our business, that of our clients and of our other partners. As a marketer and leader, over the course of her career she has demonstrated the ability to transform and grow businesses and build relationships. I am delighted she is returning to Omnicom."
Rodriguez began her career in 1980 in Houston at AT&T, where over the next 17 years she served as Director of Business and Consumer Marketing, International Marketing Director, Director of Product Marketing and Communications Services and General Manager of HomeTown Network (HTN), working across the US and in London.
Recognized for her work with start-ups as well as established brands, Rodriguez also was Vice President of Marketing for the Consumer Financial Network (CFN), where she directed all marketing efforts for the CFN enterprise and its subsequent rebranding to Pro-Act Technologies.
"I am looking forward to once again working with Omnicom and our group of companies," Rodriguez said. "The chance to apply both our creative and analytical talents to identify transformative ideas and courses of action for our clients and their brands is an incredible opportunity."
