James Warburton invests in Shopper Media Group
Former APN Outdoor boss James Warburton has added Shopper Media Group to his investment portfolio, becoming a non-executive director and investor in the retail digital out-of-home business.
Warburton, who set up his own consultancy business in March, is also an investor and non-executive director in the Australian Racing Group (ARG,) and working with CVC Limited and Alceon Group.
CEO Ben Walker and James Warburton
The media stalwart left his role as CEO at APN Outdoor in 2018 after the acquisition by JC Decaux. Prior to that he was CEO at V8 Supercars for four years, and spent time as CEO of Network Ten.
Warburton said he hoped his involvement with Shopper Media Group would help the company hit new heights and further its growth potential.
“I’m thrilled to become part of Shopper Media Group. I’ve long thought that the business is a compelling investment opportunity – so much so, I’ve tried to buy it twice in the past,” said Warburton.
“Shopping centres are the perfect environment for highly targeted advertising, giving marketers a way to create meaningful, personalised and highly engaged campaigns. Shopper Media Group is a business that is focused on innovation, data analytics, consumer insights and delivering best practice in the retail out-of-home media industry.
“Shopper Media Group is expanding rapidly and there are still significant transformational growth opportunities to be capitalised on. It’s the type of business and investment that I have been looking for and I’m excited by its potential,” he said.
Shopper Media Group covers more than 300 shopping centres with a focus on grocery-centric hubs, and offers shopping centres Smartlite advertising panels, advanced Wi-Fi and virtual beacon technology that tracks shopper behaviour in real-time.
Shopper Media Group CEO Ben Walker said: “James Warburton is a talented and highly experienced media and marketing executive who brings deep industry understanding and experience in media environments and the development of digital platforms. His investment in Shopper Media Group is an endorsement of our plans for the business and James will play a key role in executing those plans.
“James’ decision to invest in the company and his appointment to the board will add further levels of experience and expertise, to an already excellent board, chaired by global marketing heavyweight David Morgan. James will provide strategic guidance in shaping and directing Shopper Media’s rapid growth, as we continue to deliver innovative digital technology and media to marketers and shopping centre owners.”
