John Montgomery, who has been serving as the worldwide CEO of GroupM's MindShare Interaction since 2005, was named chief operating officer of GroupM Interaction North America. CEO to COO. This is a new position for the agency. According to MediaWeek:

"In his previous post, Montgomery managed the company's global growth and oversaw expansion into emerging technologies including mobile, viral marketing and interactive television. He was also U.S. CEO of mOne, a joint venture between MindShare Worldwide and OgilvyOne Worldwide."

"Montgomery’s new responsibilities will include oversight of strategic and operations activities at each of the unit’s interactive networks. Specifically, he will oversee all North American GroupM operations for display, mobile and data management while working with the digital units of GroupM media operating companies Maxus, MediaCom, Mediaedge:cia, and MindShare to develop and implement best practices company wide."

GroupM recently annouced they would be plans to consolidate and restructure its global search marketing operations. The company has mashed together four units - Outrider, Catalyst, 24/7 Search and Quisma- as they plan on getting serious about search and SEO. As well, 24/7 Real Media's proprietary bid management technology will also come under the fold. Big, bigger, best. That's the GroupM, Irwin Gottlieb, way no?