Verizon Media has bolstered its growing RYOT Studio branded content division with two senior hires.
Julia Edwards joins as head of strategic solutions for RYOT and Nick Gorshenin as lead brand strategist.
The hires follow a strong first quarter including a number of repeat and new client wins including Mad Mex, Specsavers and Endeavour College.
Edwards joins from Foxtel Media where she was head of partnerships for Foxtel & Global Partners.
Across the UK and Australia she has worked within the commercial teams at places including Guardian, CNN and Seven Network, developing and commercialising premium branded content across their platforms.
In her new role as head of strategic solutions, Edwards will be taking on various responsibilities while head of RYOT Studio Zoe Cocker is on maternity leave.
Edwards will be in charge of delivering integrated marketing communication plans and opportunities across Verizon Media’s platforms including HuffPost Australia, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Lifestyle, Yahoo News and Yahoo Sport.
“Verizon Media has an enviable reputation in the market so from the get-go I was excited to join such a well-respected company and lead such a forward-thinking brand," Edwards says.
"I look forward to working with the team and our clients to develop meaningful branded content that not only attracts and maintains audience interest but also delivers on objectives.”
In addition, Nick Gorshenin who will be reporting into Edwards, joins the RYOT Studio team as lead brand strategist.
Gorshenin was previously commercial content director at esports platform Twitch and prior to this, agency business director at Fairfax Media.
His 12-year career spans branded content, publishers, adtech, influencers and full service creative.
Verizon Media ANZ national sales director Rachel Page welcomed both Edwards and Gorshenin to the team.
"Their wealth of experience is a timely boost to RYOT’s ability to provide the right solutions for clients in these challenging times," Page says.
“While everyone moves to adapt to the new business conditions, we are fortunate to be part of a leading technology company enabling us to continue business as usual as people turn to our platforms including Yahoo News and HuffPost as they seek trusted news sources.
“As we all adapt to the new business conditions Julia’s leadership and Nick’s insightful strategic thinking will be fundamental to driving success for RYOT Studio and its clients into the future.”
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.