JCDecaux has announced that Steve O’Connor, CEO of JCDecaux Australia, will assume leadership for the combined JCDecaux and APN Outdoor businesses in the region.

The announcement follows this morning’s news of the departure of APN Outdoor CEO James Warburton.

 The appointment comes after the successful outcome of the APN shareholder meeting and the court approval, held yesterday on 18 October 2018 regarding JCDecaux’s proposed transaction with APN Outdoor.  The acquisition of APN Outdoor and Steve’s appointment will be effective as at 31 October 2018.

O’Connor said of his appointment: “I am excited to be assuming the expanded role of CEO at a time when the out-of-home industry is experiencing rapid change and growth.

“The combination of our two businesses will result in increased investment in product innovation and technology, enabling us to further roll out our digitisation strategy more widely.

“I am also looking forward to working with the extremely talented group of individuals from APN Outdoor and welcoming them into the JCDecaux family.”

Jean-François Decaux, co-CEO of JCDecaux, said: “With more than 28 years’ experience in the out-of-home industry, 14 of which he has spent as CEO of JCDecaux’s Australian operations, Steve is perfectly placed to lead the combined businesses.

“He has been instrumental in building our presence here into the street furniture market leader it is today.        

“JCDecaux has a long and rich history in the Australian market, ever since it entered after winning contracts to supply a number of Sydney Council’s architecturally designed street furniture in preparation for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

“APN Outdoor’s existing network comprising billboard, transit and airport advertising will complement and enhance our existing footprint of premium assets as we look to further expand our digital footprint across the region.

“I would also like to thank APN Outdoor CEO James Warburton for his valuable contribution and commitment to this transaction and for leading the APN team.”