Former Facebook, Kenshoo exec joins Amobee as local MD

Digital advertising technology vendor, Amobee, has appointed former Facebook and Kenshoo senior executive, Liam Walsh, as its new Australian and New Zealand managing director.

Walsh replaces current managing director, Matt Hunt, and is the second high-profile hire for the vendor in the past month, following the appointment of Ian Laurie as head of social A/NZ in March.

Walsh was most recently A/NZ vice-president for social advertising platform player, Kenshoo, and also previously held a number of roles at Facebook including agency director, A/NZ lead and preferred marketing developer lead for both Australia and Japan. His resume also includes stints as MD at Microsoft Advertising, and general manager of sales and commercial for Fairfax Digital.

At Amobee, Walsh will be responsible for managing new business opportunities and expanding strategic partnerships in both the Australia and New Zealand territories.

In a statement, he highlighted Amobee’s Brand Intelligence technology , which combines digital content consumption and consumer sentiment to help brands better target advertising through digital media channels in real-time.

“I’m excited to join a company that is transforming the way brands activate their media, which is aligned with my passion for truly innovative advertising. And I look forward to enhancing and expanding the great work the Australian team has done to date.”

Amobee senior VP of Asia-Pacific, Alex Littlejohn, said Walsh’s deep marketing expertise was a key factor in his appointment.

“His track record of spearheading international organisations and launching new business initiatives in Australia also makes him the perfect choice to lead Amobee’s A/NZ operations,” he said.

Laurie, who was appointed last month, has more than six years of social marketing experience across American, Europe and Australia and previously held roles at agencies including Society, Ikon Communications and TBG Digital, where he helped brands such as Coke, ING Direct, Ford and Commonwealth Bank with social strategy.