Isentia Promotes to Replace Departing Commercial Chief

Australian-based media measurement group Isentia has promoted Russ Horell to the role of Chief Commercial Officer replacing Sean Smith whose departure was announced two weeks ago.

Smith will leave Isentia at the end of the year to take up the role of CEO at data-driven communications at marketing company IVE Group, according to media publication www.mumbrella.com.au . Horell (promoted) is promoted from the role of Country Manager for New Zealand, having previously served as Manager for Queensland.

CEO Ed Harrison says Horell is 'a high achiever with a proven track record at Isentia who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Isentia executive leadership team...During his time as Country Manager, he has built a high-performing, extremely engaged team in New Zealand which has delivered in terms of customer service as well as client acquisition and retention'.

Horell himself wished Smith 'all the best' in his new role and thanked him 'for his guidance over the years'.

Isentia is in turnaround mode after a problematic acquisition, and in September described a revenue fall of 10.7% to $AUD 122.47m and a 30.4% decline in adjusted EBITDA to $ AUD 23.06m as 'acceptable progress'. In July, it appointed James Merritt, currently Head of APAC at dunnhumby, as Chief Executive for Asia - he started last week.

Web site: www.isentia.com .