A top media agency veteran has joined independent media giant Horizon Media.

Charlie Rutman has joined Horizon as Managing Partner, the media shop said in an announcemnt, which adds: "Rutman was formerly CEO at MPG and President of Carat USA, and will bring significant leadership experience to his new role at Horizon Media. His responsibilities will include managing a portfolio of brands within the agency. He will be a member of Horizon’s Operating Committee, comprised of the senior leadership team architecting the future strategy of the company, and will be an active member in New Business initiatives."

Bill Koenigsberg, CEO, President and Founder of Horizon Media, says in the announcement “I am thrilled to have Charlie join the Horizon team. Charlie has been a formidable media industry competitor and highly respected peer. I look forward to his expertise across all pieces of business at the agency."

Said Rutman in a statement: "I’ve seen all the agencies in this industry and Horizon is different — it’s a special place. Horizon has the flexibility and agility to function in a marketplace where speed to market is critical. I’ve seen Bill in action and he has created an incredible ecosystem at Horizon. It is a very creative, energetic, entrepreneurial environment, and there’s no bureaucracy. I’m thrilled to be working with a company that is driven by client success and one that considers the client partnership to be of paramount importance.”

The announcement notes: "Rutman has been recognized throughout the industry as an innovator and thought leader. He has twice been named a Media Maven by Advertising Age. He is a frequent panelist and speaker at various industry conferences and thought leadership sessions, and he has been an active member of the AAAA’s Media Policy Committee, the Audit Bureau of Circulations and the Ad Council TV Committee."

Charlie Rutman