MediaLink, the media consultancy recently acquired by Cannes Lions-owner Ascential, has announced the launch of its first office outside the US in London, led by vice-chair Wenda Harris Millard. 

The expansion of MediaLink into London comes just  weeks after its acquisition by Ascential in February, when MediaLink chairman and chief executive Michael Kassan stated his intention to leverage the parent company’s global footprint to grow his business worldwide.

“Our plan is to go global and go fast,” said Kassan. “We are making a strong commitment to geographic expansion to further serve the needs of our current and future clients. We are also putting the new office in the very capable hands of Wenda, who has been instrumental to the success of MediaLink in the US, and who has the global dexterity and business acumen required to expertly serve our clients in the UK and European markets as we continue to expand.”

Millard, who previously held senior roles for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Yahoo, will retain her current responsibilities as she establishes the UK based operations.

“MediaLink occupies a unique position in the marketplace, delivering innovation strategies to help established companies grow and emerging businesses succeed in a digital world,” said Millard. “We sit at the center of media, entertainment, technology and marketing, and I’m thrilled to bring our perspective and expertise to Europe.”

Ascential chief executive Duncan Painter added that this is a clear step to fast-track MediaLink’s business and further increase its presence outside the US. “We are continuing to develop synergies between MediaLink and our other businesses to better serve our customers and bring additional elements to our growth strategy,” he concluded.

Millard will be talking at Festival of Media Global on 9 May at Rome Cavalieri about whether marketing’s influence on corporate strategy is waning – find out more here.