MUMBAI: Global media network Mindshare has integrated Amsterdam based Socialmedia8 into its network as a step towards expanding its footprint globally. Furthermore, Socialmedia8 founder Igor Beuker has been appointed as Mindshare‘s first global chief social officer and social agency M80‘s managing director Mark Evans is now Mindshare North America social lead.

SocialMedia8 specialises in acquiring, managing, and extracting value from social fans and followers will bring social commerce, social TV, social gaming, social search and social CRM capabilities to Mindshare‘s portfolio of social media services.
Beuker will report to Mindshare Worldwide global digital leader Norm Johnson and will be joining the agency with immediate effect. Beuker has earlier served as chief marketing officer at Scoot, TeliaSonera and Telefonica O2. He also founded community agency LaComunidad and social video metrics firm ViralTracker before setting up SocialMedia8.

Evans will take up the post of managing director, social team at Mindshare North America and will head up social media campaigns for the agency‘s North American-based clients. Evans has extensive digital and social media experience and has served as vice president, digital, at Catapult Marketing and digital brand director at Euro RSCG prior to joining M80.

Mindshare Worldwide CEO Nick Emery said, "There is a lot of talk in this space and few experts, even fewer who can translate what they do into integrated business plans for progressive clients. We are putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to social media. Both Igor and his team and Mark bring with them a wealth of experience in actioning both effective and creative solutions."

Beuker said, "In this new role as c-level officer I look forward to helping drive the broad social agenda for Mindshare clients. I am very excited to oversee Mindshare‘s social media marketing strategy and services at both global and local levels."

Evans said, ""Incorporating social expertise within our scope of services allows us to deliver smarter, digital communication solutions. From insights to strategies, activation and analysis, this approach will allow us to deliver greater value for our clients. And, this will lead to better user experiences for their audiences."