Isentia Names Former JCDecaux MD & Yahoo7 CEO As Its New Boss

Media intelligence group Isentia has announced the appointment of Ed Harrison as its new managing director and CEO, and the resignation of James Orlando as chief financial officer.

Harrison (pictured above) has over 25 years’ experience across many types of media including print, outdoor and digital in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

With a strong background in sales, Harrison came to Australia in 2001 to set up JC Decaux’s business in Victoria and South Australia. From 2003 to 2008, he was general manager of JC Decaux in Australia.

Harrison then joined Fairfax Digital. As group sales director at Fairfax Media, Harrison was responsible for sales operations across 300 newspaper, magazine and digital brands.

From 2014 to June 2018, Harrison was the CEO of Yahoo7.

Isentia chairman Doug Snedden said that the board is pleased to have secured the appointment of Harrison given his strong track record in sales, digital media and product development, and leadership of businesses in transformation.

“Ed has deep knowledge of traditional and digital media and has executed disciplined growth strategies in organisations across a range of competitive markets,” Snedden said.

“He has broad expertise in leading product development and technology-based innovation to meet diverse customer needs in disrupted media environments, and understands the fundamental importance of client relationships.

Commenting on his appointment, Harrison said: “I am delighted to be joining an iconic company like Isentia, which is widely known as the leading provider of media intelligence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Like many organisations, Isentia is facing a number of challenges associated with the rapidly changing media landscape. I look forward to working with the team to drive an innovation, digital and product-focused growth agenda.”

Harrison replaces John Croll, who resigned in February and stepped down from the position in May 2018. He will commence he role at Isentia on 6 August, while Snedden will revert to being a non-executive chairman.

Istentia has also announced the resignation of Orlando as chief financial officer. The company will commence a search for his immediately, and Orlando will remain with Isentia until a new CFO has commenced.

Commenting on his departure, Orlando said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Isentia and being part of its talented team.

“In addition to my finance duties, I have had the opportunity to implement programs that will drive better sales execution, customer delivery and cross-functional collaboration.

“We have also strengthened the team with some high-quality hires who have established investment processes that will assist in realising Isentia’s full potential. I look forward to working with Ed through the coming reporting period.”

Snedden said: “James has made a significant contribution to Isentia over the past year, which has been beyond that of a traditional CFO.

“He has implemented processes that have enhanced transparency around the key drivers of the business and initiated a cost out program, which is the first step in the transformation of our fixed cost base.

“The board would like to thank James for his considerable efforts, commitment and ongoing support as Ed settles into his new role.”

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