Jorge Irizar, Director, MPG, Paris

Although a native of Spain, Jorge Irizar, director, MPG, Paris, is unquestionably the star of the Paris international media scene.A champion of all forms of pan-regional and multinational media, he has encouraged more French clients to promote their brands beyond the borders of France than ever before. He balances a complex portfolio of companies from Air France to Dassault Systemes (which specializes in product life cycle management software solutions) to BNP Paribas, the European banking giant, to Peugeot automobiles. In addition, he has led new business initiatives and won the media accounts for the financial services group Axa Group, Orange telecommunications, and Delta Air Lines. It’s not easy to convince conservative corporations, such as the investment and financial institution, Société Générale Group, to take some risks.To the surprise of many, Irizar persuaded the French giant to experiment with international television for the first time. Now, with the campaign’s success, international TV has gone from trial to become a regular budgeted component of the company’s marketing plan each year. Irizar’s success is feeding upon itself. Now because of his belief in the power of international media, his agency serves as a magnet for corporations looking to extend their influence abroad.