Joe Cerone
Atlanta
Summary
Seasoned media and operations executive with over 25 years of experience in leading high-performance teams and driving enterprise-wide change. Proven track record in modernizing processes, consolidating structures, and delivering measurable outcomes for Fortune 100 brands. Expertise in AI-aligned workflows and strategic business planning with C-suite executives. Exceptional leadership and staff development skills that foster trust and effective communication across all organizational levels.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Vice President, Local Investment
IPG Mediabrands
Atlanta
02.2023 - Current
- Leading the transformational consolidation of local investment operations across IPG Mediabrands, unifying three major agencies, and overseeing more than 100 team members across eight U.S. Buying hubs.
- Spearhead enterprise-wide consolidation of Initiative, Mediahub, and UM into a single, centralized local investment powerhouse.
- Direct 100+ employees across eight strategic buying hubs, implementing consistent workflows, and elevating output quality.
- Deliver significant operational cost savings through streamlined structures, and reduction of redundant overhead.
- Establish standardized best practices, performance frameworks, and governance models across previously siloed units.
- Strengthen negotiating power, and improve client outcomes through consolidated buying scale and a unified strategy.
- Lead high-impact change management initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal business disruption.
Executive Vice President, Director of Local Investment
Zenith Media
Atlanta
01.2018 - 02.2023
- Developed and deployed enterprise-wide policies, AI-aligned workflows, and governance frameworks to increase consistency and efficiency.
- Mentored and promoted 10+ mid-level managers.
- Modernized operations through proactive identification of systemic challenges and implementation of data-driven solutions.
- Recruited, trained, and coached managers.
- Represented Zenith in industry forums.
- Managed financial performance and quality assurance.
Senior Vice President, Director
Zenith Media
Atlanta
05.2015 - 01.2018
- Redesigned operational systems to improve accuracy, transparency, and reporting.
- Contributed to long-term financial forecasting.
- Directed Regional VPs ensuring alignment.
- Maintained competitive intelligence.
- Strengthened team culture.
Senior Vice President, Managing Director
Initiative (IPG)
Atlanta
01.2008 - 05.2015
- Managed 55-person staff; co-managed 75-person national division.
- Oversaw buying, audits, and performance for Hyundai, Kia.
- Central liaison among IPG agencies.
- Led new business initiatives.
Vice President, Regional Broadcast Director
Carat USA
Atlanta
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Directed teams of 18 and 7 across 50+ clients.
- Oversaw buying and compliance across 5 regions with $175M+ billings.
- Built new business proposals.
Senior Vice President, Director of Local Broadcast
BATES USA
Atlanta
01.1995 - 01.2002
- Managed 29-person department across 4 offices with $326M billings.
- Achieved 11% cost reduction in restructuring.
- Managed $1.7M budget.
Skills
- Executive leadership and decision-making
- Financial management and budgeting
- Client relationship and partnership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Vendor negotiation and contract management
- Data-driven decision making
- Team leadership and mentorship
- Effective communication skills
- Performance monitoring and optimization
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Procedure establishment and improvement
- Industry networking and development
- Employee retention strategies
- Digital transformation initiatives
- People and culture management
- Business development strategies
- Organizational design expertise
- AI-enabled workflow optimization
- Operational excellence practices
- Local investment strategy planning
References
Available upon request.
Key Client Experience
- T-Mobile
- GEICO
- Navy Federal
- Pearle Vision
- Hyundai Motor America
- Kia Motor America
- Toyota Motor America
- Lexus Motor America
- CVS/pharmacy
- Wendy’s International
- Inspire Brands
- TD Bank
- Chase
Timeline
Executive Vice President, Local Investment
IPG Mediabrands
02.2023 - Current
Executive Vice President, Director of Local Investment
Zenith Media
01.2018 - 02.2023
Senior Vice President, Director
Zenith Media
05.2015 - 01.2018
Senior Vice President, Managing Director
Initiative (IPG)
01.2008 - 05.2015
Vice President, Regional Broadcast Director
Carat USA
01.2002 - 01.2008
Senior Vice President, Director of Local Broadcast
BATES USA
01.1995 - 01.2002