Getty Images, the world’s leader in visual communications, has today announced the formation of a new Innovation Group: a division of experts focused on meeting the media company’s evolving customer needs, as well as exploring further growth and new revenue streams within the consumer market.
Steve Heck, who has served as Getty Images’ chief technology officer, has been appointed as the leader of the specialist group, holding the coveted role of senior vice president, chief innovation officer.
Reporting to chief executive officer, Dawn Airey, Heck will develop Getty Images’ global innovation practice, leading a dedicated team focused on creating and experimenting to continue to advance the company’s existing product portfolio, as well as develop new consumer propositions. Leveraging the company’s considerable assets, knowledge and experience, the group will be tasked with creating engaging products and services that supports the company’s overarching mission to continually break new ground and bring Getty Images to the widest possible audience.
“From the launch of our embed initiative, to cutting-edge partnerships with Apple, Facebook, Skype and Oculus among others, Getty Images has long been synonymous with innovation. The new Innovation Group is an exciting step forward in the consumer future of Getty Images and delivering our world-class content to an even broader global audience,” says Dawn Airey, CEO, Getty Images. “With the inception of the Innovation Group, Getty Images puts an even larger focus on creating the products, services, and technologies that will allow us to break new ground and get ahead of the needs of consumers in this rapidly changing digital world.”
The Innovation Group will be focused primarily on research and development with a simple mission: to imagine and experiment. Core areas of concentration will initially centre on technology, with the group revolving and rotating to focus on projects and initiatives across the spectrum of the business.
“The end goal is for the Innovation Group to serve as a catalyst for the company’s strategy of Getty Images Everywhere; taking our portfolio of world-class content to everyone – whether that’s a media outlet, an advertiser, or someone who simply loves catching up on their favourite events through imagery. We know speed, discovery, reliability and quality of images will become even more important as the volume of content online continues to rise exponentially and Getty Images is committed to leading the charge,” said Steve Heck, Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer.
Airey added: “Over 97 per cent of visitors come to our websites to look at – not purchase – amazing imagery. This booming appetite for content presents immense opportunity. It is our commitment to meet consumers with our content in a way which suits them, a commitment we have now cemented with the creation of this group under Steve’s strong leadership.”
In connection with this appointment, Getty Images also announced that Nate Gandert has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer and Jon Miller has been promoted to Chief Information Officer.
The Getty Images Innovation Group will be recruited and appointed in the coming months.
