Programmatic platform Rocket Fuel is setting up shop in Australia with eBay Advertising's general manager running the operation, AdNews understands.
Rocketfuel went public in the US around a year ago.
Its selling point is around speed and the firm last year cut a deal with Brightroll to take advantage of a faster line into ad pools, with the two claiming that with faster reaction times, the chances of winning bids are far higher. That is enabled by placing the exchange directly into an Equinix data centre.
The Redwood-based firm has not yet made a public announcement about an Australian office, but rumours that it was trying to hire a local operator and set up shop have persisted since late last year.
RocketFuel's intention has now become clear with the company posting a job ad for an account manager that moots a start-up team. It is also thought to be on the hunt for a sales director and a general manager.
As well as high technical literacy, one of the key attributes required of candidates is to be “nerdy and lovable”.
Eastwood did not return requests for comment but it is understood the former Ninemsn and Fairfax man has already left eBay.
Another US programmatic advertising firm arriving in Australia will only serve to intensify compeition for business and skilled staff, with agencies, publishers and trading desks already facing an acute talent crunch.
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