In the latest round-up of people moves, ex-Google boss, Matt Brittin, joins the BBC, Katie Harbron moves to Allwyn and The Trade Desk welcomes Reddit’s first Chief Financial Officer, Drew Vollero.
Ex-Google boss, Matt Brittin, joins the BBC as the new director general. He will take up the position from 18 May 2026, and will be responsible for the creative, editorial, and operational leadership of the BBC.
Brittin was Google’s EMEA president for just under ten years, having previously worked in national press and in consulting for media and technology.
He will replace Tim Davie, who resigned in November over how Panorama edited a speech by US President Donald Trump.
Brittin said: “At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It’s an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity. I’m honoured and excited to be asked to serve as director general.”
Other notable people moves
Allwyn: Katie Harbron as director of games
Katie Harbron has joined Allwyn as director of games, responsible for driving innovation for the National Lottery’s portfolio of games. She will be responsible for the development and performance of draw-based games as well as instant interactive win games.
Harbron joins Allwyn from online casino brand MrQ, where she was chief product officer.
OpenAI: Dave Dugan as VP of global ad solutions
Former Meta exec, Dave Dugan, joins OpenAI as vice president of global ad solutions.
Dugan, who left Meta earlier this month, spent more than 12 years at the company as vice president of global clients and agencies.
His appointment comes as OpenAI looks to build its advertising business.
Game Lounge: Richard Dennys resigns
Richard Dennys announced he is stepping down from his role as chief executive officer of Game Lounge.
After two years in the company, he has revealed in a LinkedIn post, he will be moving onwards: “This feels like the right moment for me to take a step back and focus on what comes next.”
Omnicom Media Group: Sarah Nugent as chief exec of UM
Omnicom Media Group has appointed Sarah Nugent as chief executive officer of UM UK. Nugent was previously at PHD – another Omnicom media agency – where she spent more than 12 years in numerous senior positions, including her most recent role as managing director.
Her move to follows the Omnicom-IPG merger, with UM UK a former IPG Mediabrands agency. UM said the appointment marks a significant moment for the company as it moves into a new chapter.
Global: Dara Nasr as MD of commercial outdoor
Global has appointed Dara Nasr as managing director of commercial outdoor. Nasr was previously at WeTransfer as vice president for global sales.
He has extensive experience in scaling teams, and a proven track record of driving revenue growth. Nasr will replace Chris Forrester, who is leaving to pursue his “long-held ambition” to mentor, coach and develop the next generation of leaders, with a focus on positive mental health and wellbeing for men.
The Trade Desk: Drew Vollero on the board
The Trade Desk has welcomed Reddit’s chief financial officer, Drew Vollero, to its board of directors.
Vollero brings 30 years of experience in helping tech firms navigate difficult and tumultuous markets, driving growth, and helping them stay agile.
Coolr: Ben Goldhagen as director of sport
Coolr has hired former adidas and DAZN exec, Ben Goldhagen, as director of sport. He will lead Coolr Sport – a new division dedicated to helping brands, teams, leagues, federations and athletes engage with fans on social media.
Goldhagen, who over 20 years of experience in sports marketing and social storytelling, will be responsible for building and leading Coolr Sport across the UK and US.
Pattern: David Jennison as MD
Pattern has hired former Amazon sales director David Jennison, as the new managing director, Europe.
Pattern is an adtech specialising in helping brands grown on global e-commerce marketplaces using tech and AI. Jennison will oversee its operations and expansion in Europe.
