I haven't heard much news from IBN lately, though John Morgan and I trade emails every now and again to say 'hi.' But he just let me know that the firm is looking to step up their retail game by hiring one of the true retail media experts, Bill Lynch, formerly of PRN fame. Here's a bit from their press release:
Rob Brazell, CEO of InStore Broadcasting Network, said of Lynch’s hiring, “Bill is one of the most respected and admired people in the in-store media business. We are excited to welcome Bill and leverage his industry expertise throughout our growing business.” Rob Wolf, who held the head sales position for IBN since 2007, will assume new responsibilities as Executive Vice President, Research and Shopper Insights and will remain a member of the IBN board.
Lynch was most recently Executive Vice President of Sales with Premier Retail Networks (PRN) where he managed the National Endemic Sales Force. Prior to PRN, Lynch was Group Sales Manager for News America Marketing, where he managed and sold in-store advertising and couponing products.
While living through a global economic slowdown does suck, it also means that strong companies get the chance to realign themselves, try out some otherwise risky strategies, and make talent grabs and strategic acquisitions. Hopefully Bill will invigorate the folks at IBN and help them blaze a path out of any recession-related slowdowns that they might be feeling.