Veteran media executive and former ABC managing director is joined the board of Perth-based advertising technology startup Hoppr as it prepares to launch globally.
Guthrie, whose CV includes senior management roles at Google, Foxtel, BSkyB and Star TV in Hong Kong, signs on as a non-executive director, with Hoppr CEO Cyril Daoud also announcing that Vince Pizzica will join Hoppr founder George Gelavis as co-chairman of the business.
“Vince’s unique blend of marketing and tactical skills, together with his highly qualified engineering and technical background, will provide strategic direction during what will be a rapid growth phase for Hoppr,” Daoud said.
“Michelle’s experience across both traditional and emerging media companies will be invaluable to the Hoppr board as we prepare the rollout of our digital advertising platform globally over the next 24 months.”
The startup’s lead product, HopprTV, delivers targeted video and display advertising to individual set-top boxes and also supports interactive advertising to drive sales and engagement.
It’s Guthrie’s first role with a startup, and she said Hoppr has global potential.
“Targeted addressable advertising in the UI is a powerful way for brands to communicate with their customers without disrupting the viewing experience,” she said.
“Hoppr’s technology will help democratise TV advertising and unlock more opportunities for different sized businesses to reach their customers.”
Hoppr recently partnered with Technicolor, one of the world’s largest set-top box manufacturers, to integrate with the French electronics multinational’s operating system. The deal will see HopprTV rolled out to an initial 10 million households across Europe and Asia.
Pizzica said he was “very excited” as the startup expands globally.
“Hoppr is pursuing deals with streaming services around the world and is in advanced talks with a number of sizable providers in Europe and Asia to connect to its HopprTV solution,” he said.
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