AOL brings Platform-A ad network to Europe

by Ann-Marie Corvin, Media Week 06-Jun-08, 15:30

LONDON - AOL has announced the expansion of its ad network, Platform-A, into Europe and has appointed Brendan Condon to head the operation in London.

Condon, who will report to Platform-A president Lynda Clarizio, will oversee the alignment of the platform's European ad operations, including Advertising.com, Frankfurt-based ad servicing company Adtech, and the UK-based affiliate Buy.at, as well as AOL's ad sales teams in Europe.

The new organisation will also integrate AOL's existing technologies, including contextual search engine Quigo, behavioural targeting by Tacoda, and mobile ad serving by Third Screen Media.

Randy Falco, AOL chairman and chief executive, said: "Bringing Platform A to Europe builds on AOL's strong presence in Europe and positions AOL for growth in three key areas - publishing, people networks, and our advertising network."

The move follows AOL's restructure of its British operation, appointing Buy.at chief executive Kevin Cornils as its UK managing director.

Combined, Platform-A claims to reach 125 million online consumers, more than half of Europe's online audience.

AOL's publishing network in Europe includes owned and operated sites in 13 countries in the region. In addition, AOL recently acquired social media company Bebo, one of the leading social media networks in the UK.