Acast has expanded its US leadership team and Advisory Board with a series of new appointments and promotions, including former iHeartMedia and Spotify heads, the company has announced.
Former Lightbox Video Network CEO Greg Glenday has been appointed Acast's chief business officer, bringing 25 years of experience in the media industry. In this new role, Glenday will be responsible for leading the business’s global revenue and strategic growth in key markets for the company.
“I am a fervent believer in podcasting, and I’m convinced many still underestimate the potential for the space,” said Glenday. “Changes to media spend always lag behind consumption and attention, and smart brands value both context and relevance in addition to adtech efficiencies.”
“Already in my role I have found that in every corner of the globe there are ambitious, creative, talented Acasters making their mark on the industry. That culture is exactly why Acast is the perfect destination for this step in my career. I’m looking forward to working with both podcast creators and marketers to unlock more value from the art of storytelling.”
Most recently, Glenday served as the CEO of the Lightbox Video Network leading the team through a rebrand of the company and acquisition, tech innovation, and driving record revenue growth. Previous roles for Glenday in audio include being the global chief revenue officer for music app Shazam and ad network Undertone as well as founder and president of iHeartMedia’s Connections division, which focuses on creative brand partnerships.
Acast has also appointed Spotify’s former director of client partnerships Ricardo Neto as vice president of sales in the US, with his new responsibilities including overseeing the region’s sales divisions. Neto brings nearly 20 years of experience to the company across music, internet publishing, online audio, and video media.
“The US remains a key market for Acast’s continued dominance in the global podcasting industry,” said Acast CEO Ross Adams. “This evolution of our leadership team is a pivotal part in this next chapter for the Acast brand and will play a key role in our path to profitability.”
Other changes in the US sales and leadership teams that Acast has made recently include promoting Acast Creator Network director Tiffany Ashitey to interim US managing director after three years in the company. Ashitey has led partnerships with major talent and industry leaders within the network including comedian Marc Maron, the Obamas’ production company Higher Ground, and actress Anna Faris.
In April this year, Acast also promoted senior account director Gabriella Gregoris to group business director of national performance after spending nearly seven years in the company. In this new role, she oversees a team responsible for clients in the direct response category.
Lastly, Acast has added former Performance Bridge CEO Stephen Smyk to its US Advisory Board, bringing over two decades of experience in performance marketing.
