Initiative Media Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to media excellence, Initiative Media delivers high-impact planning and buying services that maximize client return on investment through data-driven strategies and global market expertise.

Leadership Roles at Initiative Media

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jo McAlister
  • Chief Operating Officer (South) - Priya Iyer
  • Global President - Stacy DeRiso
  • Principal, President - Melicent Boysen
  • 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 overarching strategic vision for the global media agency. McAlister architects high-level growth initiatives that align media planning and buying services with evolving client needs. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the agency maintains a competitive edge in the complex marketing landscape. Jo McAlister oversees the integration of data-driven methodologies across all regional operations, ensuring consistent performance and ROI for international partners. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the board to refine long-term business objectives and market positioning. Through rigorous oversight of agency resources, McAlister drives operational efficiency and sustainable expansion. This leadership role demands constant adaptation to shifting digital trends, which the Chief Executive Officer manages by prioritizing agility and client-centric solutions. Ultimately, McAlister secures the agency's reputation as a leader in media strategy.

    Priya Iyer - Chief Operating Officer (South)

    Priya Iyer, the Chief Operating Officer (South) at Initiative Media, manages the operational infrastructure across southern market territories. Iyer optimizes internal workflows to ensure seamless execution of media buying campaigns. By streamlining cross-departmental communication, the Chief Operating Officer (South) enhances the delivery of specialized marketing services. Priya Iyer monitors regional performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. The Chief Operating Officer (South) coordinates with global leadership to implement standardized operational protocols that support the agency's broader mission. Through meticulous resource allocation, Iyer maintains high service standards for clients operating within the southern region. This role involves mitigating operational risks while scaling service capacity to meet increasing demand. By focusing on operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer (South) directly contributes to the agency's ability to deliver superior return on investment for diverse client portfolios.

    Stacy DeRiso - Global President

    Stacy DeRiso, the Global President at Initiative Media, leads the agency's international expansion and market penetration strategies. DeRiso oversees the execution of global media campaigns that leverage the agency's specialized planning and buying capabilities. By coordinating with regional heads, the Global President ensures consistent brand messaging and service quality across all territories. Stacy DeRiso drives the development of new business opportunities, expanding the agency's footprint in key global markets. The Global President manages high-level client relationships, ensuring that strategic objectives align with the agency's commitment to maximizing ROI. Through the implementation of scalable growth models, DeRiso enhances the agency's competitive standing. This leadership role involves navigating diverse regulatory environments and cultural nuances to deliver effective media solutions. Ultimately, the Global President secures the agency's position as a premier partner for global brands seeking sophisticated media strategies.
    Stacy DeRiso

    Melicent Boysen - Principal, President

    Melicent Boysen, the Principal, President at Initiative Media, directs the strategic development of specialized media services. Boysen oversees the integration of advanced planning tools that enhance the agency's ability to deliver measurable results for clients. By fostering innovation within the media buying department, the Principal, President ensures that the agency remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Melicent Boysen collaborates with other senior leaders to refine the agency's service offerings and market approach. The Principal, President monitors the performance of key accounts to ensure that strategic goals are met with precision. Through the application of data-driven insights, Boysen optimizes campaign effectiveness and client ROI. This role involves managing complex projects that require cross-functional coordination and high-level strategic thinking. By focusing on service quality and innovation, the Principal, President strengthens the agency's reputation for delivering exceptional value in the competitive media landscape.

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

    Farid Ahmad, the President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research at Initiative Media, leads the specialized division focused on educational research and linguistic media strategies. Ahmad directs the development of programs that utilize mother-tongue communication to reach diverse audiences effectively. By integrating research-based insights into media planning, the President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research enhances the agency's ability to connect with specific demographic segments. Farid Ahmad oversees the collaboration between research teams and media buyers to ensure that campaigns are culturally resonant and strategically sound. The President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research manages the division's growth, ensuring that educational initiatives align with the agency's broader mission of maximizing client ROI. This role requires a deep understanding of linguistic and educational trends, which Ahmad utilizes to drive innovation. By focusing on specialized research, the President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research expands the agency's reach and impact.

    Mohamed Loutfi - President

    Mohamed Loutfi, the President at Initiative Media, oversees the strategic direction and execution of media services within designated market sectors. Loutfi directs the implementation of media planning and buying strategies that drive measurable growth for clients. By fostering a culture of accountability and performance, the President ensures that all campaigns meet the agency's high standards for ROI. Mohamed Loutfi collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that address complex marketing challenges. The President monitors market trends and competitive dynamics to refine the agency's strategic approach. Through the effective management of resources and talent, Loutfi supports the agency's mission of delivering superior media results. This role involves leading large-scale initiatives that require strategic foresight and operational precision. By focusing on performance and innovation, the President strengthens the agency's market position and ensures the continued success of its diverse client base.

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

    Yulin Wu, the Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff at Initiative Media, governs the strategic advisory frameworks provided to agency clients. Wu directs the support teams responsible for maintaining high-quality service delivery and client satisfaction. By aligning internal support functions with client-specific goals, the Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff ensures that media planning strategies remain effective and relevant. Yulin Wu facilitates communication between executive leadership and client-facing teams to resolve complex operational challenges. The Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff monitors service quality benchmarks to drive continuous improvement in client engagement. This role requires deep analytical insight into market trends, which Wu utilizes to refine advisory services. By optimizing the support structure, the Advice Management Director, Client & Support Chief of Staff strengthens the agency's long-term partnerships and enhances overall client retention rates.

    Petra Siskova - Chief Client & Operating Officer

    Petra Siskova, the Chief Client & Operating Officer at Initiative Media, manages the intersection of client service excellence and operational efficiency. Siskova directs the teams responsible for maintaining strong client relationships while ensuring that internal processes support high-performance media buying. By aligning client expectations with operational capabilities, the Chief Client & Operating Officer ensures that the agency consistently delivers on its promises. Petra Siskova monitors service delivery metrics to identify areas for optimization and growth. The Chief Client & Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to streamline workflows and improve the overall client experience. Through the implementation of robust operational frameworks, Siskova supports the agency's goal of maximizing ROI for every client. This role involves balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders while maintaining a focus on long-term strategic objectives. By optimizing both client management and operations, the Chief Client & Operating Officer drives sustainable success for the agency.

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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 Stacy DeRiso (Global 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)), Stacy DeRiso (Global 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), Global President, Principal, President, President, Mother-Tongue Initiatives For Education & Research.