Ex Bauer CEO Matt Stanton to take helm of King Content with brief to push overseas growth
Two months after King Content founder Craig Hodges was moved sideways in the aftermath of a sharp drop in revenues, the content marketing company has appointed former Bauer Media boss Matt Stanton as its new CEO.
Stanton: Will lead King Content’s global push
Stanton will join King Content – which is owned by media intelligence giant Isentia – next month with a brief to drive its growth across Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe.
Most recently, Stanton was chief transformation officer at Woolworths, a role he held for just over a year. Before that he led magazine company Bauer for three years, after a career in finance officer roles.
“I am thrilled to be joining King Content – and the wider Isentia family – at a time when brands are challenging the industry to be less about outputs and more about outcomes,” said Stanton in a statement. “Unlike some agencies which are now pivoting to provide content solutions, King Content was built with this aim in mind, which is why our content marketing achieves exceptional results.”
In November, Isentia’s share price dropped by 26% in a day after the King Content content marketing division failed to hit revenue targets. The share price has only recovered slightly in the two months since. Its current market capitalisation is $542m.
At the time, Isentia boss John Croll signalled that Hodges would become chairman with a view to exiting the company in June this year while an experienced new CEO would be recruited.
Croll said of Stanton’s appointment: “With a strong track record in building and transforming media organisations, we’re excited to have Matthew continue our proven track record for quality and further our strategy of integrating media intelligence, insights and content marketing.
“Matthew has been a pioneer in the media industry, effectively rebuilding traditional organisations disrupted by the digital evolution to create new multi-platform revenue streams.”
King Content’s interim CEO Andrew Meagher will leave after a transition period.
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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Congrats Matt
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Hopefully this isn’ t the hospital pass it looks like.
King Content was built on hyperbole by two very accomplished salesmen. And sold by them to a group for a sum that any accomplished sales person would be proud of.
It’s sudden slide wasn’t surprising. It was readjusting to the real world inside a company with more robust management and financial processes. If Stanton has to meet the original acquisition models, he’s got his work cut out for him.