Once hallmarked by linear ad placement, media planning and buying has evolved into a creative science that nets reach, frequency and action through a complicated mix of paid media solutions, from publisher partnerships to social media. In line with these evolving media landscapes and agency growth, Wray Ward has expanded its media team with the addition of Associate Media Director Ilana Wiles and Media Coordinator Billie Meacham.

“We’re continually growing our team and skill sets to stay ahead of evolving consumer behaviors, changing media buying technology and new paid media opportunities,” said Sue Tatge, vice president and director of media at Wray Ward. “Ilana and Billie bring an invaluable mix of leadership, digital competency and innovative thinking that will generate creative, results-driven media programs for our clients across all channels.”

Wiles joins Wray Ward from Carat USA in New York, where she was an associate communications planning director. At Carat, she worked on the Procter and Gamble account, developing integrated media strategies for brands including Charmin, Puffs, Pampers, Dreft and Luvs. Prior to that, Wiles was a senior communications planner for Zenith Media, part of Publicis Media, also in New York. She managed paid media campaigns for Lucky Charms, Cheerios and Total, all under the General Mills Big G Cereals umbrella. Wiles earned her Bachelor of Arts at Penn State University.

Meacham steps into her role as media coordinator after working as a media coordinator at Infinity Marketing in Greenville, South Carolina, for the past year, delving into the home category with her work on the Clayton Homes account. Meacham graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University, where she was a dean’s list and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society student. In addition to several digital communications and paid media internships, Meacham was part of a team that conducted qualitative market research on Lollapalooza, traveled to the festival to conduct interviews and gather ethnographic data, and wrote a paper on the paradoxes of the festival.

Wray Ward’s media team is part of the agency’s connections group, ensuring cohesiveness between paid media and public relations, content marketing, social media and search marketing tactics.

“Ilana and Billie add experience, tenacity and depth to the media team and our connections strategies,” Tatge said. “Together, their skills will continue to propel us forward and lead to smart, visible results for our clients.”