News Corp's three-month hunt for a new head of programmatic has come to an end, and it transpires that Jason Denny, who left the spot for an overseas gig at Commercialize TV (CTV) is now back at the business – but in an expanded role.
Denny left the position in May to take up a Singapore-based role with CTV where he was set to manage its trading and programmatic platform relationships globally, with particular focus on China, Korea and South East Asia.
After his News Corp departure, AdNews understands a short-list of local ad tech candidates was mooted, but in the end it seems News Corp wooed him back.
News Corp Australia’s head of digital sales strategy Cameron King said Denny is returning to lead the growth of the company’s programmatic offering.
In his expanded role, he will have responsibility for managing and growing programmatic revenue as well as liaising with the News Corp's programmatic partners.
“It’s great to have someone of Jason’s calibre come back to News at what is a very exciting time for News Corp Australia’s digital business,” King said.
“Programmatic is now more important than ever for our unrivalled stable of brands and properties. It’s essential we have someone on board with Jason’s experience who can take this important growth area from strength to strength”.
News Corp Australia recently announced its MBX venture at the company’s Come Together 2015 event. MBX combines the power of News Corp Australia with MCN’s digital assets and offers a collective reach of over 10 million Australians with access to “more premium environments than any other programmatic offering”.
Denny said: “News Corp Australia has an invigorated digital focus and a new leadership team that has amplified the value of programmatic. I’m excited to be re-joining the business to lead the programmatic team".
It doesn't seem uncommon for ad land execs to fly the nest and then return to where they started. Another example is Carla Vella's return to SCA only the other week after short stint at TEN. Pat Crowley also left Ikon for Match, only to return in August last year, and Maxus' Mark McCraith flew the agency for a marketing spot at Fiat Chrysler before heading back to the agency earlier this year.
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