Productsup, a leader in Product-to-Consumer (P2C) software, has announced the return of its co-founder Johannis Hatt as CEO. Hatt, who originally founded the company in 2010 and guided it through pivotal growth stages, steps into this leadership role to drive the company’s next phase of innovation and expansion. He succeeds Vincent Peters, who served as CEO since 2021 and led Productsup during a transformative period for the commerce industry.

1. Johannis Hatt’s Leadership Journey

   • Co-founded Productsup in 2010 with Kai Seefeldt and Marcel Hollerbach.
   • Played a key role in establishing the company's vision and capital-efficient growth.
   • Served as an advisor to the board while pursuing other endeavors since 2021.

2. Achievements Under Vincent Peters

   • Successfully led Productsup during challenging market conditions.
   • Oversaw major milestones, including platform development and P2C vision expansion.

3. Productsup’s Impact and Growth

   • Serves over 1,000 global companies, including Amazon, Google, Salesforce, SAP, and Meta.
   • Handles more monthly data requests than Google's consumer search service.
   • Secured $70M in funding in 2022 and acquired World of Content to bolster capabilities.

4. Johannis Hatt’s Vision as CEO

   • Focus on enhancing Productsup’s offerings for omnichannel sellers in the evolving retail ecosystem.
   • Drive innovation and reinvention to address the rapidly changing commerce landscape.
   • Build the next iteration of Productsup’s solutions to empower brands globally.

5. Looking Ahead

   • Top priorities include profitable growth, continuous innovation, and meeting evolving customer demands.
   • Aims to solidify Productsup’s market position as a leader in P2C software.

The return of Johannis Hatt as CEO marks an exciting chapter for Productsup. With his leadership and deep industry expertise, Productsup is poised to continue redefining the product-to-consumer ecosystem and empowering brands to thrive in the diverse and fast-paced commerce landscape.

VDX.tv, a global leader in video advertising technology, has announced the appointment of Penélope Lima as Head of Sales Strategy and Solutions globally, as well as Head of Client Partnerships – Spain. This dual role highlights Lima's expertise and aims to support the rising demand for premium, omnichannel video advertising experiences worldwide.

1. VDX.tv’s Market Impact

   • Recognized for its award-winning campaigns, including:
     • Lancôme: Winner of The Wires Global 2023 for “Best Use of CTV Technology.”
     • Renault Group: Winner in the same category at The Wires Global 2024.
   • Provides targeted and interactive video advertising solutions across premium OLV, mobile, CTV, OTT, and DOOH inventory.

2. Penélope Lima’s Career Journey

   • 18+ years in digital marketing and advertising: Proven expertise in sales, product development, and supply strategy.
   • Career Milestones:
     • Joined Advertising.com/AOL in 2006 as Media Account Manager and Marketing Manager.
     • Played a pivotal role in launching VDX.tv’s Madrid office as Media Director – Spain and Italy in 2010.
     • Most recently served as Head of Supply Strategy Global at VDX.tv.

3. Recent Contributions

   • Focused on developing innovative products like DOOH and programmatic selling.
   • Shaped the company’s global sales strategy for client partnerships.

4. New Responsibilities

   • Global Role:
     • Develop and position new products and solutions for omnichannel impact.
     • Craft go-to-market, sales, and marketing strategies for clients across the US, Canada, EMEA, and APAC.
     • Foster strong relationships with global brands.
   • Regional Role (Spain):
     • Oversee agency and client partnerships in Spain.
     • Ensure delivery of top-tier advertising solutions tailored to client needs.

5. Vision and Leadership

   • Lima’s goal is to continue driving VDX.tv’s growth by curating premium brand experiences and addressing evolving client demands through innovation.

Quote from Penélope Lima

"Transitioning from supply to client partnerships is an exciting step in my career. I’m eager to contribute to VDX.tv’s growth and the global digital industry by developing effective sales strategies and creating innovative solutions for our clients and agencies worldwide."

With Penélope Lima’s appointment, VDX.tv is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in omnichannel video advertising, driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions to clients globally and regionally.

Choozle, a leading omnichannel digital advertising platform and services provider, has announced two key leadership appointments to enhance its offerings and drive growth. Tina Starr has been named Vice President of Account Management and Strategy, while Jae Scarborough has been appointed Senior Vice President of Sales. These additions underscore Choozle’s commitment to delivering strategic, data-driven solutions that empower advertisers and agencies in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.

Key Leadership Appointments

1. Tina Starr – Vice President of Account Management and Strategy

• Experience & Expertise:
  • Over a decade in performance marketing and agency leadership.
  • Background in programmatic advertising, search, and social media.
  • Early career experience at a data-driven agency and training at Google’s headquarters.
• Role & Vision:
  • Focus on driving growth and optimizing client campaigns through an omnichannel approach.
  • Committed to fostering innovative strategies and building strong partnerships.
  • Aims to help clients achieve measurable success and deliver ROI.

2. Jae Scarborough – Senior Vice President of Sales

• Experience & Expertise:
  • Sales leadership roles at Simpli.fi, Yahoo, and Monster.com.
  • Proven track record in building high-performing teams and driving revenue growth.
• Role & Vision:
  • Leads Choozle’s revenue growth initiatives and aligns sales strategies with client needs.
  • Focuses on expanding market presence and helping clients leverage advanced trading capabilities.
  • Dedicated to delivering strategic, data-driven advertising solutions.

Choozle’s Enhanced Capabilities

• Omnichannel Solutions:

  • Integration of leading advertising platforms for seamless access to premium inventory and audience data.
  • Boosts campaign efficiency and performance for brands and agencies.

• Client-Centric Approach:

  • Supports advertisers in navigating complex omnichannel strategies.
  • Provides tools to connect with audiences, measure impact, and achieve sustainable growth.

Leadership Perspectives

Tina Starr:
"Choozle’s platform and expert support simplify omnichannel strategies, helping brands connect with audiences, measure impact, and drive growth. I’m excited to contribute to this mission."

Jae Scarborough:
"Choozle empowers brands and agencies with tools and insights to thrive. I look forward to helping clients scale strategies, unlock growth, and achieve measurable success."

Outlook for 2025

With a focus on advanced trading opportunities, seamless access to solutions, and measurable outcomes, Choozle is well-positioned to accelerate growth in 2025. The company remains committed to empowering advertisers and agencies to succeed in the competitive digital advertising space.

Integral Ad Science, a global leader in media measurement and optimization, has launched its AI-powered Total Media Performance™ (TMP) solution. TMP integrates IAS’s trusted media quality signals with in-flight campaign optimization to help advertisers achieve superior outcomes. This groundbreaking solution leverages responsible AI models to align media quality, cost, and outcomes, driving ad effectiveness with complete transparency across the programmatic supply chain.

Key Features of Total Media Performance (TMP)

1. Boost Outcomes:

• Combines IAS’s pre-bid protection with ROI-focused optimization to prioritize high-quality media.
• Protects brand equity and ensures seamless synchronization of quality protection across DSPs for operational efficiency.

2. Gain Greater Transparency:

• Offers supply chain visibility by merging media quality and cost insights with IAS’s quality path optimization.
• Empowers advertisers to identify and optimize the most efficient media for improved results.

3. Automate In-Flight Adjustments:

• Dynamic Performance Profiles enable real-time adjustments to maximize reach and performance.
• Incorporates privacy-safe contextual targeting for automated, adaptive campaign management.

Leadership Insights

Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS:
"The launch of TMP signifies a transformative step for IAS as we move beyond media efficiency and brand protection. TMP empowers advertisers to turn media quality insights into actionable strategies that drive superior outcomes in a fragmented digital media ecosystem."

Srishti Gupta, CPO of IAS:
"TMP equips advertisers with tools to maximize media investments by reducing waste, enhancing performance, and safeguarding brand equity. This solution reflects our commitment to evolving alongside the needs of advertisers in today’s complex media landscape."

Real-World Impact

IAS demonstrated the financial benefits of TMP for a leading global technology brand by reallocating ad spend to higher-quality paths:

• 25% reduction in cost per conversion.
• 33% reduction in the cost of a quality impression.

Looking Ahead

IAS's Total Media Performance redefines media measurement by integrating quality, cost efficiency, and automation into one unified solution. By prioritizing high-quality media and ensuring supply chain transparency, TMP positions global advertisers to thrive in an ever-evolving digital ecosystem.

Magnite, the largest independent sell-side advertising company, has announced an exclusive partnership with Playwire, a global leader in ad monetization for web publishers. This collaboration introduces Playwire's Flex Suite creative formats, including Flex Video, Flex Skin, and Flex Rail, to programmatic buyers exclusively through Magnite.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

1. Programmatic Access to Premium Ad Formats
Advertisers can now access Playwire's high-impact creative formats through Magnite, enhancing:

• Viewability: Ad formats designed for superior visibility and engagement.
• Seamless Experience: User-centric formats for uninterrupted browsing experiences.

2. Streamlined Supply Chain
This partnership addresses the disconnect between advertisers and publishers by:

• Ensuring a larger share of ad spend supports publishers directly.
• Sustaining free, ad-supported content while improving advertiser ROI.

3. Certified Inventory for Advertisers
Playwire’s Flex Suite operates exclusively on pre-certified publisher sites, ensuring:

• Correct formatting and collision-free ad placements.
• Premium inventory offering higher performance than standard IAB units.

Leadership Perspectives

Jayson Dubin, CEO of Playwire:
"Our partnership with Magnite scales high-impact creative formats programmatically, giving advertisers access to premium inventory with seamless integration and unmatched performance. Flex certification ensures quality for publishers and advertisers alike."

Sean Buckley, CRO of Magnite:
"Playwire’s custom ad formats redefine programmatic display by moving beyond traditional banners. These innovative units provide media owners and brands with immersive ad experiences, and we're proud to bring them to premium publishers and advertisers through automation."

Innovative Features of Playwire’s Flex Suite

• Flex Video: Large-format mobile video for high visibility.
• Flex Skin: Custom skin placements for immersive branding.
• Flex Rail: Expandable mobile units with options for 100% share-of-voice roadblocks.
• Responsive Design: All formats adapt seamlessly across devices for consistent user engagement.

Impact on the Digital Advertising Landscape

This partnership showcases how high-impact, user-friendly ad formats can drive performance while addressing inefficiencies in the advertising supply chain. By merging automation with premium creative formats, Magnite and Playwire redefine the standards for programmatic advertising.

According to the 2025 State of Business Texting Report published by Text Request, a leading business messaging platform, 97% of businesses that use text messaging would recommend it to others. The report, which surveyed over 500 professionals across the U.S. and Canada, highlights the growing trend of businesses adopting texting for customer communication and offers insights into what lies ahead in the coming year.

Key Findings from the 2025 State of Business Texting Report

1. High Engagement with Text Messages

   • 83% of people read their texts within 30 minutes, emphasizing the immediacy of the communication channel.

2. Primary Use of Texting for Customer Service

   • 76% of businesses who use texting primarily employ it for customer service, including appointment scheduling, updates, and quick responses.

3. Text as the Most Effective Channel

   • 59% of organizations find text messages to be the most effective channel for getting responses from customers.

4. Time Savings Through Texting

   • 67% of people report saving 1-5 hours a week by replacing other forms of communication with text messaging.

5. Preference for Receiving Texts from Businesses

   • 72% of people prefer to receive text messages from businesses, underlining the potential for companies to connect with their customers more effectively.

Opportunities for Business Growth

The report indicates that businesses are primarily using text messaging for administrative tasks like scheduling and customer service. However, Text Request points out significant growth opportunities, including:

• Seasonal promotions
• Payment reminders
• Sales team follow-ups

While consumers express a desire to receive these types of messages, few businesses are currently capitalizing on the potential to increase revenue through text messaging.

Leadership Insights

Kenneth Burke, Vice President of Marketing at Text Request:
"Businesses are seeing the benefits of texting for administrative tasks, but there’s a huge opportunity to increase revenue by sending timely messages like promotions and reminders. Consumers are asking for these messages, and businesses should seize the opportunity to connect with them in ways that boost both the customer experience and their bottom line."

The Future of Texting in Business

Texting is quickly becoming one of the most reliable and effective tools for businesses. It allows for rapid communication, better customer service, and the potential for higher sales and customer engagement. As texting continues to be a preferred method for consumers, businesses that embrace it are likely to see significant growth and enhanced operational efficiency.

Zeta Global, a leader in AI-powered marketing, today unveiled the Zeta Economic Index (ZEI) for December 2024. The ZEI is one of the first AI-driven economic indexes, utilizing Zeta's Generative AI technology and real-time consumer data from over 240 million US consumers. It provides valuable insights into the current state and trajectory of the US economy.

Key Highlights from December 2024 Zeta Economic Index

1. Record Economic Index Score (EIS)

   • The EIS reached a record-high of 71.5 points in December, marking a 0.6-point month-over-month (MoM) increase. This was the second consecutive month of growth, the first in over three years. It signals continued economic momentum, fueled by strong holiday shopping despite a shorter season this year.

2. Economic Stability Index (ESI) Growth

   • The ESI increased to 66.9, showing a 0.6% quarter-over-quarter improvement. This signals steady confidence in the economy’s ability to handle fluctuations, as consumers continue to spend despite rising inflation.

3. Consumer Spending and Inflation

   • Inflation edged up to 2.7%, reflecting a gradual rise, but it did not deter consumer spending, which remained robust during the holiday season. This suggests that consumers are adjusting to economic changes while maintaining higher spending levels.

Sector-Specific Insights

1. Consumer Technology Interest Soars

   • The consumer tech sector saw a 5.6-point MoM increase in interest, fueled by holiday demand for innovative devices. As CES 2025 approaches, the sector enters the new year with strong momentum.

2. Growth in Financial Services Spending

   • Interest in financial services grew by 3.0 points MoM, largely driven by Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) trends, where consumers relied on flexible payment options to afford high-ticket items, especially in tech.

3. Retail and Travel Sectors

   • Retail activity saw a 4.2% MoM increase, despite a 0.5% decrease in in-store visits as online shopping continued to dominate. Travel activity grew by 2.0 points MoM, aligning with the busy December travel season.

4. Job Market Sentiment Stabilizes

   • After a surge of 13.9% MoM in November, job market sentiment moderated slightly by 0.9% in December, reflecting the conclusion of temporary holiday positions. However, sentiment remains positive, signaling a stable employment outlook.

Zeta Economic Index: A New Lens on the Economy

Unlike traditional surveys, the ZEI uses real-time consumer behavior data, processed through Zeta’s proprietary Generative AI. This results in comprehensive economic sentiment and trend insights that reflect actual behavior rather than subjective opinions. With over 20 proprietary inputs recalibrated monthly, the ZEI offers a dynamic and real-time view of economic activity.

Statement from Zeta Global CEO

David A. Steinberg, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Zeta Global, commented:
"Leveraging real-time signals from actual consumer behavior, the ZEI provides a unique and actionable perspective on the economy, helping decision makers navigate the coming year with greater confidence. As we close out the holiday season, consumer spending is stabilizing, signaling optimism for the year ahead."

The Zeta Economic Index

The Zeta Economic Index is publicly available and offered as a complimentary service. It provides essential data on economic trends, sentiment, and consumer behavior, enabling businesses and decision-makers to make more informed decisions. Please note that the ZEI should not be relied upon for investment advice.

Vimeo, a leading video experience platform for creators and enterprises, has announced the appointment of Javier Ortega Estrada as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In his new role, Ortega Estrada will oversee global sales and revenue efforts, aiming to enhance customer experiences and drive increased revenue for Vimeo.

Leadership Announcement

Philip Moyer, CEO of Vimeo, expressed excitement about the appointment, stating:
"Over the past year, Vimeo has expanded its leadership team to provide the best experience for our customers, and we are excited to have Javier join as Chief Revenue Officer. Javier’s extensive experience in leading global go-to-market teams, creating world-class customer success, and building lasting customer relationships will help us take Vimeo to the next level."

Javier Ortega Estrada’s Background

Ortega Estrada brings more than a decade of experience in managing and collaborating with diverse revenue teams, including sales, growth (PLG), marketing, customer success, and account management. His career includes notable roles such as:

• Chief Revenue Officer at Veriff – Leading the company’s go-to-market strategy, and overseeing global revenue and marketing teams.
• Chief Sales Officer at Hopin
• Head of Sales - Americas at Dropbox
• Senior Strategy Consultant at Capgemini Invent

Ortega Estrada’s extensive background in driving revenue growth across industries aligns with Vimeo’s goal of expanding its reach and retaining users.

Ortega Estrada’s Vision for Vimeo

In his new role, Ortega Estrada emphasized the importance of customer experience in revenue generation:
"Revenue generation is a reflection of the customer experience, and, as a longtime fan of the Vimeo brand, I’m excited to join the team helping our customers and creators shape the future of video."

He added:
"With the exponential growth of multimedia content and Vimeo’s technology in just the last few years, we have a prime opportunity to unlock new means of customer engagement and help brands and professional creators communicate their stories."

Vimeo remains committed to being the world’s most innovative video platform, helping creators and enterprises showcase their stories with advanced tools. With new leadership in place, Vimeo aims to continue its growth and enhance the experience for both users and creators globally.