Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
To support its continued growth, Akoo has expanded its national sales presence with the opening of new offices in New York and Los Angeles.
In New York, Akoo named Annie Gordon as vice-president sales. A 15-year media veteran who has worked at agencies including Optimedia, The Bravo Group, and Carat, Gordon most recently launched a video-on-demand network in the New York market. Her expertise spans broadcast television, interactive TV, mobile, and digital place-based media. She joins Akoo’s existing New York-based vice-president sales, Peter Krieger. Akoo has also hired several sales planning and support personnel in its New York office.
In Los Angeles, Akoo named two senior executives to lead its West Coast sales initiatives: Wayne Aaronson, and Linda Villani, both holding the positions of vice-president sales.
Aaronson has held senior roles with Titan Digital, Reelz Channel, TV Guide Television, Discovery Networks, and ESPN. He brings 20 years of experience in ad sales, sponsorship, integrated marketing, and content development strategy.
Villani has worked for major media organizations in publishing, online, and broadcast cable during her career. Most recently, she was vice-president of West Coast sales for a digital media company and previously served as West Coast sales director for Entertainment Weekly and ew.com. She began her career in Los Angeles with CBS.
Akoo also hired two Chicago-based professionals who join Scott Liss, the company’s existing vice-president sales in the Midwest. Karen Koonce, named sales director, is a 15-year media veteran who has worked at agencies including Starcom Worldwide and Carat. Most recently, she served as vice-president national sales for the Health Club Media Network.
Laurie Hartnett, an advertising sales professional with 15 years of experience, was also named sales director. Hartnett has held senior sales roles at organizations including EYE Corporation and JCDecaux during her career. Akoo also hired additional sales planning and marketing support personnel in its global headquarters.
Elise McVeigh, Akoo’s executive vice-president sales, says, “With our expanded presence, the team will be out evangelizing the capabilities of the Akoo platform and creating solutions for marketers coast to coast.”
“This world-class sales team will be a driving force in bringing together Akoo with forward-thinking agencies and brand advertisers to drive unmatched marketing impact and ROI,” says Niko Drakoulis, Akoo CEO. “Akoo’s national sales expansion and recent Nielsen certification as the largest network (age 12+) are critical milestone achievements that support our company’s revenue growth and solidify our industry leadership.”
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