XLMedia PLC (LON:XLM) has unveiled the appointment of a former Telegraph Group executive as its new chief information officer as the company looks to become more data-driven.
Nigel Leigh, who was chief digital officer at JPIMedia – the former Johnston Press – and held senior commercial and digital roles over eight years at the Daily Telegraph owner, has been appointed to the role with immediate effect.
Leigh, who will not sit on the board, will be responsible for defining the AIM-listed digital performance publisher’s long-term technology roadmap, designing its technology vision and using data-driven analytics to help create value across the company's portfolio of publishing websites.
The company operates across verticals including online gaming, personal finance and sports, where it uses proprietary tools and methodologies to generate high-value users for customers in return for performance-based payment models.
XLMedia highlighted that he has a “strong track record” of building digital consumer products using data and analytics to grow revenues and develop audiences, including delivering new revenue streams at JPIMedia after rebuilding its entire technology framework, and will bring experience from the The Telegraph Media Group’s digital transformation.
Stuart Simms, chief executive of XLMedia, said: “Nigel’s hiring is a key part of our continued commitment to become a more data driven business, build faster and more efficient operations and to forge closer links with our consumers.
“Consumers expect to be treated as individuals and want to deal with companies which understand who they are and what they’re going through – and which appreciate their needs are changing every single day. Nigel’s wealth of experience will be a key asset to our company as we look for new ways to be even more targeted, precise and personalised – optimising our customers’ budgets to target consumers with hyper relevant and contexualised information and offers.”
For his part, Leigh said: “The publishing landscape continues to change at a rapid pace, presenting plenty of opportunities for agile, digital publishers to deliver smart solutions for audiences – and the brands which want to reach and engage these audiences. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver great custom and targeted experiences powered by best-in-breed technology, and enhanced data and AI capabilities.”