Initiative Media Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Initiative Media has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, client operations, and global market development.

Driven by maximizing client ROI, Initiative Media executes strategic media planning and buying services, shaping market impact through data-driven insights.

Leadership Roles at Initiative Media

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jo McAlister
  • Chief Operating Officer (South) - Priya Iyer
  • Principal, President - Melicent Boysen
  • Global President - Stacy DeRiso
  • President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research - Farid Ahmad
  • President - Mohamed Loutfi
  • Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff - Yulin Wu
  • Chief Client & Operating Officer - Petra Siskova
  • Jo McAlister - Chief Executive Officer

    Jo McAlister, the Chief Executive Officer at Initiative Media, directs the agency's global strategy and operational framework. Overseeing all business units, McAlister ensures the cohesive execution of media planning and buying services designed to maximize client return on investment. This leadership position involves aligning departmental objectives with the overarching mission of delivering superior client outcomes. By fostering innovation in media approaches, Jo McAlister drives the agency's competitive edge in a dynamic market. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to cultivating key client relationships and guiding the development of new service offerings that address evolving industry demands. This role is central to maintaining Initiative Media's position as a leader in strategic media solutions.

    Priya Iyer - Chief Operating Officer (South)

    Priya Iyer, the Chief Operating Officer (South) at Initiative Media, directs operational strategies across the southern region, focusing on enhancing media planning and buying efficiency. Iyer oversees the integration of regional operations with the agency's global objectives, ensuring consistent service delivery and maximizing client ROI. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes to support business growth within the specified territories. By driving operational excellence, Priya Iyer ensures that regional teams effectively implement strategic initiatives. The Chief Operating Officer (South) also collaborates with other leaders to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, directly impacting the agency's market performance and client success.

    Melicent Boysen - Principal, President

    Melicent Boysen, the Principal, President at Initiative Media, holds a pivotal position in guiding the agency's strategic direction and overall business development. Boysen's leadership focuses on enhancing the agency's capabilities in media planning and buying, ensuring clients achieve maximum return on investment through innovative strategies. This executive role involves overseeing key business functions and fostering a collaborative environment that drives client success. By championing new approaches to media engagement, Melicent Boysen contributes significantly to Initiative Media's market leadership. The President's influence extends to shaping the agency's culture and ensuring alignment with its core mission of delivering exceptional value to clients.

    Stacy DeRiso - Global President

    Stacy DeRiso, the Global President at Initiative Media, drives the agency's worldwide strategic vision and operational execution, focusing on maximizing client return on investment. DeRiso oversees global teams responsible for innovative media planning and buying services, ensuring consistent delivery of high-impact campaigns across diverse markets. This leadership position involves cultivating strong client partnerships and identifying emerging opportunities to enhance service offerings. By championing data-driven insights and strategic foresight, Stacy DeRiso ensures Initiative Media remains at the forefront of the media landscape. The Global President's mandate includes fostering cross-regional collaboration and driving operational excellence to achieve superior client outcomes and sustained agency growth.
    Stacy DeRiso

    Farid Ahmad - President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research

    Farid Ahmad, the President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research at Initiative Media, leads specialized programs focused on educational outreach and research. Ahmad directs initiatives that leverage media strategies to advance linguistic diversity and educational access. This role involves developing and implementing programs that align with the agency's broader mission of impactful communication. By overseeing research projects and community engagement, Farid Ahmad contributes to the development of culturally relevant media solutions. The President's focus on education and research ensures that Initiative Media's expertise extends to critical social impact areas, enhancing the agency's multifaceted approach to client service and societal contribution.

    Mohamed Loutfi - President

    Mohamed Loutfi, the President at Initiative Media, directs key strategic operations and business development initiatives aimed at enhancing client return on investment. Loutfi oversees the implementation of advanced media planning and buying strategies, ensuring alignment with global market trends and client objectives. This leadership role is critical in driving agency growth and fostering innovation across all service areas. By focusing on operational efficiency and strategic partnerships, Mohamed Loutfi strengthens Initiative Media's market position. The President's purview includes cultivating talent and ensuring that the agency consistently delivers exceptional value and measurable results for its diverse clientele.

    Yulin Wu - Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff

    Yulin Wu, the Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff at Initiative Media, manages critical client support functions and provides strategic advisory services. This role ensures seamless integration between client needs and agency capabilities, optimizing the delivery of media planning and buying services. Wu oversees the operational efficiency of client support teams, driving improvements in service quality and responsiveness. The Chief of Staff function involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives to enhance client satisfaction and retention. By analyzing client feedback and market trends, Yulin Wu identifies opportunities for strategic adjustments. This leadership position is vital for maintaining high standards of client engagement and operational excellence across the organization.

    Petra Siskova - Chief Client & Operating Officer

    Petra Siskova, the Chief Client & Operating Officer at Initiative Media, spearheads the integration of client strategies with operational execution to drive enhanced return on investment. Siskova oversees the client services division, ensuring that media planning and buying initiatives align precisely with client objectives and market opportunities. This dual role demands a comprehensive understanding of both client relationship management and the intricate operational demands of a global media agency. By optimizing workflows and resource deployment, Petra Siskova enhances service delivery and operational efficiency. The Chief Client & Operating Officer's leadership ensures that client needs are met with agile, effective, and data-driven media solutions, reinforcing Initiative Media's commitment to client success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Initiative Media Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Initiative Media?
    Initiative Media is led by Jo McAlister (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Priya Iyer (Chief Operating Officer (South)) and Melicent Boysen (Principal, President).
    Who is part of Initiative Media’s executive team?
    The executive team of Initiative Media includes leaders such as Jo McAlister (Chief Executive Officer), Priya Iyer (Chief Operating Officer (South)), Melicent Boysen (Principal, President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Initiative Media have?
    Initiative Media has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Initiative Media’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Initiative Media includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer (South), Principal, President, Global President, President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research.