GSD&M Idea City today announced the return of Jerry Courtney to the agency as executive media director. In his new role, Courtney will lead a 105-person media department and is charged with enhancing the agency’s cross-functional media capabilities.

Prior to a short stint as Director of Marketing at Capella University, Courtney served as group manager of Target Corporation’s media planning & analysis function. While there he helped drive the retailer’s business strategy by managing a media portfolio representing hundreds of millions in investment.

Prior to Target, Courtney held various media positions at GSD&M Idea City, culminating as vice president in charge of digital & interactive media. While at GSD&M Idea City, he helped lay the foundation for the agency’s digital media operating principles and provided strategic guidance on the U.S. Air Force, MasterCard and AT&T (then SBC) accounts.

“Jerry is exactly the right person to lead our outstanding media function,” said Duff Stewart, president and CEO of GSD&M Idea City. “He’s a great cultural fit due to his long history with us and he brings a skill set including media analytics and deep interactive capabilities. We look forward to his contributions.”

Courtney holds a B.S. of Advertising from the University of Illinois.