APN Outdoor has announced further investment in data and analytics, with the appointment of a new head of data and insights and two data scientists.
The three appointments highlight APN Outdoor’s ongoing commitment to creating a world-class data and analytics team and capability. They follow the launch in early July this year of Dn’A, a data and analytics innovation that will maximise the impact and effectiveness of outdoor advertising.
Kevin Morrell has been appointed head of data and insights at APN Outdoor, effective August 27. He will report to general manager, marketing, Charlotte Valente.
Morrell was most recently head of data and analytics at Southern Cross Austereo. His resumé includes senior data, analytics, segmentation and customer interactions roles at BT Financial Group, Bridge and ING Direct Australia.
Derek Slone-Zhen will join APN Outdoor in October as a data scientist. He is currently senior manager, Insight Analytics, at PwC Australia and has been closely involved in the development and launch of Dn’A for APN Outdoor. Slone-Zhen has also held senior data roles at Data Republic, Quantium and Seven West Media.
Kevin Zhang is also joining APN Outdoor as a data scientist, effective September 3. He is currently lead data scientist, business analytics, at Cubic Corporation and has held senior data scientist and quantitative analyst roles at Westpac, Origin Energy and Crown Resorts.
APN Outdoor chief executive officer and managing director James Warburton said: “The launch of Dn’A in July proved that we are delivering on our commitment to the market that we would invest in data innovation to increase the insights we can deliver to advertisers, to make their outdoor campaigns more effective.
“The response to Dn’A from advertisers and agencies has been phenomenal and has far exceeded our expectations. Right now, we have an extensive pipeline of briefs for Dn’A in market with major advertisers. We are also finalising our plans to expand Dn’A with new data sets and features.
“The appointment of three highly experienced data, analytics and insights executives builds on our strategy of combining powerful data and various connection points to enrich our understanding of audiences and help our customers create smarter campaigns that will have smarter impact,” he said.
Charlotte Valente said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Morrell, Derek Slone-Zhen and Kevin Zhang to APN Outdoor.
“Kevin Morrell’s highly successful career in creating, leading and implementing data strategies, commercialising data products and creating audience-based insights for advertisers are the perfect credentials to lead APN Outdoor’s established data and insights team.
“Derek and Kevin Zhang both have deep experience in data, insights and automation across a range of industries. They are passionate about ensuring information, systems, processes and people work together effectively and about creating new ideas and insights through advanced data interrogation and automation.
“Together, they will make a great team and will produce valuable insights and knowledge for our customers,” she said.