ISBA's Origin Seeks New Chief Exec

Tom George has stepped down as CEO of Origin, the cross-media measurement initiative operated by the ISBA, after nearly four years in the role. He is replaced on an interim basis by ISBA Director of Media Steve Chester.

Origin is an advertiser-backed initiative to create a blueprint for cross- media measurement, operated by the ISBA which is the body representing brand owners advertising in the UK. Origin is funded as a joint-industry initiative by 69 stakeholders, comprising 45 brand owners, the top six agency holding groups, digital platforms and media owners, and is part of the WFA's global drive under the title of North Star.

According to a report on www.themedialeader.com , George (pictured) said he had completed the brief with which he joined Origin, which was 'to get it to market.' The system completed its beta phase in July last year.

Chester sits on the boards of Barb, UKOM and Rajar, as well as regional media research body JICREG.

Quoted in the Media Leader article, ISBA DG Simon Michaelides praised George's 'drive and determination' in getting the initiative to where it is now, and stated: 'Following a year of successful trading, Origin has more than 60 participating brands with a pipeline of other brands and media owners looking to come on board. The time is therefore right to re-organise and set Origin up for success as it looks to rapidly expand.' George himself said it had been 'an honour' to have led the programme, adding, 'I look forward to watching it continue its successful growth path.'

The organisation's leadership will now search for a permanent successor.

Web sites: www.originmediameasurement.com and www.isba.org.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.