ThinkPremiumDigital has announced the appointment of Venessa Hunt to the role of general manager.
Launched in August, ThinkPremiumDigital is an industry organisation designed to help marketers and their agency partners drive optimal business outcomes in the increasingly complex world of digital media.
The role will see Hunt champion the benefits of advertising in the premium digital media channels of Foxtel, Foxtel Media, Nine, News Corp, 10 and Seven West Media. Spanning a diverse range of genres including entertainment, lifestyle and sport, every month, premium digital content entertains, informs and engages more than 17.4 million Australians – that’s 92% of people (14+).
Hunt joins the business following five years with GroupM. Most recently, she was the chief digital strategy officer for the media buying group and previously held roles at the organisation including head of digital investment & partnerships and head of mobile. Hunt brings more than 15 years of media industry experience to the role as well as unmatched expertise in digital media in all of its forms. She is also a board director and ambassador for industry charity UnLtd.
Of the appointment, Hunt said: “This is a pivotal moment for the advertising industry, in Australia and all around the world. There has never been such a fascinating and diverse ecosystem with opportunities for improvement and change.
“Australia’s digital publishers are powerhouses in their own right and as the digital landscape continues to evolve, advertisers are increasingly discovering the strength and effectiveness presented by aligning with professionally produced digital content. I’ve long been a supporter of Australia’s digital publishers and I’m delighted to jump in the ring and fight the good fight on their behalf.
“I’m extremely proud of everything we have achieved during my time at GroupM – I’m leaving the business in a great place to continue its market-leading approach to digital investment. Over the past five years, I have been fortunate to work with some of the industry’s top leaders as well as Australia’s largest clients. The experience has taught me much about successful agency and client relationships.”
GroupM CEO Mark Lollback said: “We’re great supporters of ThinkPremiumDigital. Industry collaboration is critical to a strong media landscape, one that offers clients the best opportunities to use advertising to grow their businesses.
“I’d like to thank Venessa for everything she has done at GroupM. We look forward to continuing to work with her, and ThinkPremiumDigital, to ensure our clients get the best access to effective, brand-safe, digital environments.”
ThinkPremiumDigital chairman Gereurd Roberts said: “Venessa’s appointment is a major coup for ThinkPremiumDigital. There are few people in the Australian industry that can match her knowledge of the digital media landscape and the opportunities it affords advertisers. We’re thrilled to welcome Venessa to the role – I couldn’t think of anyone better to lead our team.”
The appointment will commence in early 2021.