Bret Leece serves as Chief Data Officer for Initiative, one of the Interpublic Group’s (NYSE: IPG) three worldwide media networks and part of the company’s IPG Mediabrands unit. In his role, Bret is responsible for all of the agency’s research, analytics tools, data platforms and intelligence units including global partnerships with external data providers. Additionally, he oversees the continued development of Initiative’s tools including Matrix, Real Lives and its industry leading Connections Panel.

Prior to this role, Bret acted as the Chief Analytics Officer for Initiative in the United States. Within this role he was responsible for growing the agency’s U.S. analytics practice – a capability using state-of-the art analytic and tracking tools to align marketing communication to client business results. Prior to Initiative, Bret served as Senior Vice President, Managing Director International for MarketShare Partners based in London where his responsibilities included sales and delivery of marketing and budget optimization analytics software for accounts in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. He also held the title of Vice President, Strategic Director with responsibility for business development, analytic design and data specifications for western U.S. accounts. Prior to MediaShare Partners, Bret was Vice President, Strategic Marketing Services for Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) – one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment venue operators working in both the firm’s London and Los Angeles offices. While in London, he led the implementation of the CRM and interactive ticketing systems for The O2 a $650 million live entertainment and real estate development property.

Leece has also held positions with House of Blues Entertainment serving as their Director of Database Marketing and with the Walt Disney Internet Group – serving as the Senior Manager of the CRM. He began his career with Sprint working in several systems and analytics positions in both their local and long distance divisions.

Bret received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and his Bachelors of Arts in Economics from Pepperdine University. He makes his home with his family in Los Angeles.