Nine-year Starcom MediaVest Group vet Brian Terkelsen has been promoted to CEO of New York-based MediaVest USA. Terkelsen (pictured) has spent his career at SMG as president of its branded content practice, LiquidThread, which he helped build since joining the Publicis Groupe media company.

The new MediaVest USA chief exec succeeds Bill Tucker, who has spent five years in the role but is now assuming a new position as president, global client operations at SMG.  In a statement, SMG CEO Laura Desmond says of Terkelsen, “Brian’s unique content, business-building, and digital marketing background, give him tremendous ability to bring big ideas and to know how to build them, with an eye to innovation and partnerships that drive growth for the agency and our clients.”

In addition to Terkelsen’s promotion, SMG has appointed 13-year veteran Matt Blackborn as EVP, emerging markets.