Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) has hired AOL’s global head of strategic partnerships Kim Kadlec to its Global Network Client (GNC) practice.

GNC aims to provide clients with “seamless” organisation across global regions, with SMG recently restructuring its global leadership to offer more “connectivity” between its businesses across the world.

The Publicis-owned agency has appointed Kadlec (pictured) to lead GNC across the Americas, while it has also promoted Jodie Stranger to the role of president for GNC EMEA.

Kadlec will be based in New York, reporting to SMG’s global chief executive Laura Desmond, while Stranger will be based in London, reporting to John Sheehy, president for global operations. Both will liaise with market CEOs and global account leaders to drive GNC initiatives.

“Our new GNC structure will allow us to drive better work and thought leadership moving forward through more connectivity and a global client footprint,” said Desmond.

“[Kadlec] and [Stranger] bring their unique perspectives and expertise to our global client practice, and will deliver competitive advantage for our clients in the Americas, and in EMEA.”Prior to joining AOL, Kadlec held marketing roles at Johnson & Johnson, NBCUniversal and News Corporation.