JCDecaux reshapes ANZ team with three executive hires

JCDecaux has appointed John Harris as Chief Sales Officer, Jemma Enright as Executive General Manager, Product, and Eddie Foo as Executive General Manager, Strategy, as it reshapes its executive leadership team in Australia and New Zealand.

The outdoor advertising company said the appointments cover sales, product and strategy roles. The executives have commenced in their new positions and have joined the Executive Leadership Team.

JCDecaux operates out-of-home advertising formats across streets, transport and airports. The company supplies advertising inventory and related sales services to agencies and brands.

Leadership changes

Max Eburne, Co-CEO, JCDecaux ANZ, said the company viewed the appointments as strengthening its leadership structure across three functions.

"These appointments bring strengthened leadership across Sales, Product and Strategy, with John, Jemma and Eddie stepping into key roles that support our performance and growth agenda. Each brings extensive industry experience and a strong record of achievement," said Max Eburne, Co-CEO, JCDecaux ANZ.

Dave Watkins, Co-CEO, JCDecaux ANZ, said the company had selected leaders familiar with its operations and customer base.

"This is a proven group of leaders who know our business, our clients and our culture. Their experience and leadership will help us stay ahead of changing customer needs, strengthen our partnerships, and continue setting the standard for quality and performance in Out-of-Home," said Watkins.

Sales remit

Harris has spent 19 years at JCDecaux across the UK and Australia. He most recently held the role of General Manager, Sales.

JCDecaux said Harris oversees National Sales, Trading and Programmematic. The company also described his remit as covering customer outcomes, revenue and market performance.

The sales function remains a key operational area for out-of-home media owners. It manages relationships with media agencies, direct clients and partners. It also handles trading arrangements and the packaging of inventory across formats.

Product focus

Enright has been appointed Executive General Manager, Product. JCDecaux said she previously led its airports business as General Manager, Airports.

The company said Enright has 25 years of experience across media, product and innovation. Her remit covers the company's product portfolio.

Product leadership in out-of-home advertising typically involves inventory design, commercial packaging and the development of new formats. It also covers the mix of physical assets and digital screens across different environments.

JCDecaux said Enright had previously worked on its airport product strategy. Airports represent a distinct segment of out-of-home advertising because of their passenger volumes, dwell times and premium brand demand.

Strategy brief

Foo has been appointed Executive General Manager, Strategy. JCDecaux said Foo has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across media, construction, travel and industrial services.

JCDecaux said Foo returned to the business in 2019. It described him as having played a central role in shaping the company's business strategy and leading major tender programs.

Tenders represent a significant route to market for out-of-home operators. Contracts often cover advertising rights tied to councils, transport networks and public infrastructure. They can also include airport precincts and other large venue operators.

JCDecaux said Foo will work on long-term growth initiatives and strategic priorities. The company did not disclose whether it expects further changes to the executive team.

The appointments place long-serving and internal leaders into three roles that sit close to revenue management and portfolio development. JCDecaux said Harris, Enright and Foo have already commenced in their positions.