Atkinson in charge as Clear Channel plots digital route

by Isabella Piasecka, Media Week 11-Mar-08, 11:17

LONDON - Clear Channel Outdoor has appointed Rob Atkinson as its new UK managing director, as the company gears up for what it labelled a period of “aggressive expansion”, led by plans to double its digital roadside presence.

Atkinson, previously group sales director, takes up the new role immediately, with responsibility for day-to-day operations. He reports to Barry Sayer, regional president for the UK, Ireland and North Africa.

Atkinson’s promotion could prompt a rethink of the company’s sales and marketing operations, leading to a possible realignment of responsibilities. It has not been decided whether Atkinson, who joined Clear Channel in 2005 following a 14-year stint at Associated Newspapers, will be directly replaced.

The UK managing director role has been redundant since April 2006, when former managing director Julie France, now managing director of JCDecaux Airport, resigned. Sayer then joined the firm as interim chief executive in the UK, absorbing France’s responsibilities.

Sayer said: “We had always intended to split the roles again. We need someone to handle the day- to-day business and Rob is ideal to do it, given his network of contacts in the advertising industry.”

He added that one of Clear Channel’s expansion plans this year, will be to install 10 additional digital roadside screens in May. It currently operates eight roadside screens across the UK.