Rubicon Project has announced a new EMEA leadership team as part of an ongoing investment in its global commercial strategy, following the departure of seven executives in last month.

 

Former Rubicon Project managing director of UK, Ireland and the Nordics James Brown has been appointed as EMEA managing director, with three years’ experience at the company as well as 15 years in digital advertising at The Telegraph and Diffiniti (now iProspect).

“I am thrilled to take on this new role at Rubicon Project, and am excited to further build upon our unique position in the marketplace as we continue to grow, evolve and lead the industry,” said Brown.

“We now have the framework in place to execute on our key business growth drivers and today’s announcements ensure that Rubicon Project will remain well positioned to continue to shape and define the future of advertising over many years to come.”

Brown will report directly to global head of revenue Joe Prusz, who commented that the announcement of a new EMEA leadership team is a reflection of Rubicon Project’s commitment to the region.

“It is one of the largest and most advanced advertising markets in the world, forecast to be worth $53.8bn this year,” added Prusz.

“To ensure we are best positioned to capitalise on this market opportunity for buyers and sellers, it is imperative that we have the strongest talent and the most experienced leaders at the helm of our commercial operation.”

Vice president of global business development and strategic partnerships Steve Wing has been named Brown’s successor as managing director of UK, Ireland and Nordics, and will oversee all revenue efforts across these markets.

“This is a new challenge for me and I am honoured to be looking after the UK market along with Ireland and the Nordics,” said Wing.

“Rubicon Project is at an extremely exciting time in the company’s history and with both our product and leadership strategies in place, I look forward to working as one cohesive unit to continue to drive growth and profitability for Rubicon Project, and in turn, our customers.”

In Europe, Valérie Latronche has been named managing director of France and Belgium, while Sara Buluggiu, formerly Rubicon Project’s Italy country manager, has been appointed as managing director of Italy, Spain and MENA.

Wing, Latronche and Buluggiu will report to Brown.

In February, it was announced that president Greg Raifman was leaving the company as part of a broader shake-up to narrow the company’s business focus, with six other unnamed executives also set to depart.

This came shortly after the news in November 2016 that 125 people would be laid off, swiftly followed by senior vice president of marketplace development Jay Sears and chief technology officer Neal Richter’s departures.