Jeremy Male retires from OUTFRONT, OOH Industry Awards, and OBIE Judges announced. A weekly recap of the top OOH stories you may have missed and colorful commentary from BB for the week ending December 21, 2024.
1. OUTFRONT’S CEO Jeremey Male Retires
Last week, Outfront Media announced Chairman and CEO Jeremy Male was retiring. Male, who has been a key figure in the OOH industry, will continue assisting the company through March 31, 2025, or perhaps until June 30, 2025, if needed during the transition period. According to a letter agreement from December 16, Male’s retirement is a resignation for ‘Good Reason’ under his Employment Agreement with Outfront.
Outfront is actively looking for a new CEO.
B.B.’s Take: This is the second high-ranking executive to leave the Outfront in as many months. That’s two C-level OUTFRONT executives announced ‘out’ in less than 30 days? What gives? On November 25th, a similar official document filed with the SEC shared the ‘departure’ of Andy Sriubas, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer. Sriubas will separate from the company on December 31, 2024. That is a short period for such a high-ranking executive to ‘pack his bags.’ While the Sriubas ‘8K’ clearly indicates the departure is “without cause,” one has to wonder: why so fast? Sriubas was with Outfront for over 10 years. Now, the CEO retires?
Could more be brewing with OUTFRONT than meets the eye? On another note, wouldn’t it be exciting to see a ‘Fe Male’ named for one or go big for both high-level C-Suite openings? Thanks to TC for the thought.
2. Industry Awards for Outstanding OOH Leaders
OAAA is accepting nominations for its OOH Industry Awards, which recognize the industry’s ‘leaders and visionaries.’ These awards, which are highly prestigious in the OOH industry, are given to those who have substantially contributed to the OOH industry. Awards will be presented at OAAA’s OOH Media Conference in Boston May 5-8. The award categories are:
- Marketing Award of Merit (L. Ray Vahue Award)
- OAAA Hall of Fame Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- OAAA Rising Star Award
- Distinguished Achievement Award of Excellence (Myles Standish Award)
B.B.’s Take: Like the OBIEs, the OAAA Outstanding Leaders Awards recognize the best leaders the entire Industry has to offer. There are many years when specific leadership awards are not given. It comes down to identifying the best of the best. Be sure to submit your nominations.
The 2025 OBIE Awards Judges have been announced. The jury comprises creative and marketing leaders from global brands and agencies. Joe Sciarrota, Ogilvy’s Deputy Chief Creative Officer Worldwide, will be the chief judge.
Here are the other OBIE Judges for 2025:
- Michelle Capasso, Partner, Chief Media Officer, Connelly Partners
- Tracy-Ann Lim, Chief Media Officer, JPMorgan Chase
- Kelly Megel, Global Vice President of Ninja Marketing, SharkNinja
- Heather Roff, AVP, Media, CDMO, L’Oréal
- Jill Schnitt, President, Outdoor Media Group
- DJ Stout, Partner, Pentagram
- Tim Vaccarino, Executive Creative Director, MullenLowe
- Atit Shah, Chief Creative Officer, North America at Digitas
B.B.’s Take: The OBIE Awards is one of the most important, if not the most important, awards in the OOH Industry. Make sure you enter your best. Enter your creative to share with the entire OOH world. Everyone watches. Meet the judges, as recently announced by the OAAA.
4. Gaming Industry Exec Joins OOH’s Wildstone
Wildstone, an OOH media company with operations across the UK, Europe, and Australia, has appointed Stuart Smith as its new Chief Financial Officer.
He will be responsible for all of Wildstone’s financial activities and will work closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team on the Company’s strategy.
Stuart previously worked for Entain, a gaming company, holding multiple senior finance positions. He has experience running global finance functions, operating in international markets, mergers and acquisitions, and establishing a presence in new territories.
B.B.’s Take: Successful OOH companies do not necessarily have to hire CFOs with OOH experience. But it sure doesn’t hurt. Beware of the CFO (with OOH experience or not) providing strategy for an OOH company’s sales and management activities.
5. The DOOH Academy Webinar Series Continues —OOH and Retail MediaStay Informed:
B.B.’s Take: This webinar might be worth checking out. I’m always interested in what OOH experts have to share.