In the latest round up of people moves, three key executives leave The Trade Desk, Tony Marlow steps into the role of CMO at Genius Sport, and many more.
Three key executives are leaving The Trade Desk, including the chief marketing officer Ian Colley.
Leaving alongside Colley are Matthew Henick, SVP of consumer products, and Melinda Zurich, communications executive.
This closely follows the resignation of board member Lise Buyer amid a public dispute in which Dentsu, WPP, and Publicis Groupe took a step back from the platform’s direct-to-publisher’ initiative, OpenPath.
Recent reports suggested an audit by Publicis indicated The Trade Desk had violated agreement clauses. This was allegedly because it charged fees which exceeded the previously agreed limits, and “violated multiple clauses”.
Anna Sayre will take over as interim chief marketing officer at The Trade Desk, and Rob Caruso will lead the Ventura TV OS.
Genius sport brings in new CMO
Global leader in real-time sports data, Genius Sport, has announced the appointment of Tony Marlow as chief marketing officer.
Marlow brings extensive experience in developing high-growth marketing strategies across advertising, media, and technology. He previously served in a similar role at LG Ad Solutions and Integral Ad Science and Data Axle.
“We are the operating system of sport, with the infrastructure to create value across every part of the ecosystem,” said Mark Locke, chief executive officer of Genius Sports.
“As the industry converges across data, media, betting and advertising, our focus is on scaling that platform globally. Tony’s appointment strengthens our leadership team and our ability to execute against that vision and accelerate growth across the business.”
Other notable people moves
UX Group: Fernando Botelho as CMO
Fernando Botelho has joined UX Group as its new chief marketing officer. Botelho brings over 15 years of experience in integrating data, strategy, and creativity to drive results across global markets.
He was previously global lead of Amazon’s Brand Innovation Lab, where he developed strategic solutions for brands and agencies.
The Pool: James Arnold resigns
Chief executive of The Pools, James Arnold has resigned after three years at the helm, following several years of financial uncertainty for the Liverpool-based operator, Next.io reports.
Arnold previously held leadership positions in both Betway and Livescore.
Apple: Ex-Google exec Lilian Rincon joins
Apple has recruited ex-Google executive, Lilian Rincon, as vice president of product marketing for artificial intelligence. She joins amid a push to introduce an improved version of Siri, built with Alphabet’s Gemini AI model.
OpenAI: Kate Rouch steps down
Kate Rouch announced she will be stepping down from her role as OpenAI’s chief marketing officer to focus on her cancer recovery journey.
She wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Courage isn’t always pushing harder. Sometimes it’s choosing your health, your family, and being around for the long run. OpenAI has been extraordinary throughout my journey and your support (especially messages from survivors) has meant more than you know.”
McDonald’s: Ben Fox leaves
Chief marketing officer at McDonald’s, Ben Fox, has left his role. Fox spent 14 years at McDonalds, and is credited with driving “fresh creative ambition” at the company.
“After 14 wonderful years, I have decided that the time is now right for me to take on a new challenge beyond the Golden Arches,” he confirmed in a LinkedIn post.
“Having completed the restructure of the talented marketing team, I know they are well positioned to build on this momentum and grab all of the future commercial opportunities. I’ll be cheering from the sidelines as you go on to ever greater success!”
TikTok: Khartoon Weiss explores new avenues
TikTok’s North America lead for global business solutions, Khartoum Weiss, has announced she is leaving the company “to pursue a new opportunity”, according to a memo seen by Digiday.
“As the company conducts a search for a business leader, I want to reassure you that you are in excellent hands. The TikTok team remains deeply committed to your success, and we have worked carefully to ensure continuity and maintain momentum on your priorities.”
“TikTok remains a powerful platform for businesses to connect with communities through discovery, creativity, and culture. I am confident the team will continue to serve your business with strength and care.”
