Solanki Quits Leadership of IAB Australia

Vijay Solanki, is to leave his role as CEO of IAB Australia after around two years, with Director of Research Gai Le Roy taking over as an interim while a replacement is sought.

Solanki (pictured) has more than twenty years' marketing, digital, brand and media experience, and joined IAB from entertainment-based media company Southern Cross Austereo, where he was Chief Digital Officer. Earlier he worked as Senior Director - Global Digital Innovation at Philips, and in the UK in senior-level marketing roles at BP, lastminute.com, Shazam, IPC Media and Capital Radio. He was also Head of Innovation at RHM. At IAB, he replaced Alice Manners, who had led the organisation for around three years.

Quoted on www.mumbrella.com.au , Solanki said: 'We've driven important initiatives together that have made a difference to the industry. I'm grateful to the IAB team, our members and to the Board but it's time for a change and I'm looking forward to the next challenge'.

Recently appointed Chairman Cameron King said Solanki had worked tirelessly to deliver a number of projects, including the launch of Digital Content Ratings; while Deputy Chair Libby Minogue, added: 'Vijay has built a strong network of experts with the IAB Councils, who have built relevant standards, whitepapers and events. He leaves IAB Australia with stronger member engagement'. The Board includes representatives from companies including News Corp, Google, Fairfax Media, REA Group, Carsales, Nine and Facebook.

Mumbrella notes that the departure comes as major publishers are in dispute with the IAB's measurement partner Nielsen, 'over methodology and the slow progression and roll out of its products' - as well as its decision to use Facebook's video measurement, and contribute those audience views to total audience.

Web site: www.iabaustralia.com.au .