GroupM has appointed former Sizmek ANZ boss Imran Masood as managing director of its programmatic platform Xaxis.
He will be joined by new Xaxis GM Steve Wood, who transitions across from its data, tech a service hub [m]Platform Australia, where he is director of services.
GroupM has also promoted MediaCom's national head of business science Juan Franco to head up [m]Platform.
Masood left the buy-side advertising platform Sizmek at the end of 2017 after nearly two years at the helm of the company.
He has 14 years of experience in the media, marketing and advertising industry, and has previously worked at Amobee, Adconian, Network Ten and MTV. Masood was previously a member of IAB Australia’s technology council.
“GroupM has consistently invested in technology and is committed to building products that that deliver outcomes and drive growth for clients,” Masood said.
“GroupM is listening to what the market is saying and making sure it’s at the forefront of what the industry needs. The opportunity to work with the group and the advantages it offers its people, and clients, is very exciting.”
GroupM ANZ’s chief digital officer John Miskelley added: “Imran brings a wealth of experience in digital, technology and client development and will be a fantastic addition in driving the Xaxis business and developing new innovative products.”
[M]Platform's new head
Franco led MediaCom’s business science department for more than six years and in his new role will also take responsibility for the Digital Ad Ops team that has been realigned within [m]Platform.
Prior to MediaCom, he previously worked for OMD as its metrics director and at Unilever as head of modelling.
“These moves bring the application of data driven solutions to the heart of GroupM. Juan and Steve’s moves are another great example of GroupM growing and promoting talent from within. Having analytics and tech under Juan’s leadership will ensure that [m]PLATFORM’s excellence in the delivery of insightful and actionable data-driven solutions,” GroupM ANZ CEO Mark Lollback said.
“We’re thrilled to have someone of Imran’s calibre joining the team. His expertise across the digital media landscape makes him a great hire for the business and will deliver a major advantage for our clients.”
All appointments are effective immediately.
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