NEW YORK — New York-based advertising intelligence company Standard Media Index (SMI) announced Tuesday it is growing its leadership team with its first Canadian appointment.
Jason Keown (pictured) is joining SMI as vice-president of marketing and will report to the company’s global CEO, James Fennessy. In his new role, Keown will oversee SMI’s North American marketing efforts, with a key focus on expanding the North American market.
“Standard Media Index is on an exciting growth trajectory and we are working to ensure we have the right talent in place to accelerate our business globally. Canada is our fifth global market and an important one for us as we capture more than 94% of all national brand spend and have deep relationships with all the major agency holding groups and leading independents,” said Fennessy, in the news release announcing Keown’s appointment. “Jason’s vast experience within the Canadian media landscape will allow us to build strategies to grow our presence in the market, while using his marketing and digital expertise to drive our global vision.”
Keown comes to SMI with more than 20 years of experience working with large corporations leading marketing efforts and disruptive digital strategies, says the news release. He began his career as a media buyer/planner and went on to agency leadership roles at DDB, Y&R and Cossette Communications. Keown has also held senior marketing positions for large national brands including Burger King and Office Depot. Most notably, he led marketing activities for Global TV, when it was owned by Shaw Communications, growing audience on both linear and digital channels, and providing advertising solutions to agency partners.
“Standard Media Index is bringing a new level of data and transparency to the Canadian media market that has never before been available. Through my past experience with Shaw Communications, Global Media and other specialty cable channels, I understand the exponential value this data provides both broadcasters and agency partners,” added Keown. “I recognize the massive opportunity to embrace the use of our data to evolve and benefit the media industry. I’m looking forward to building awareness of the company and promoting our powerful products to the North American market.”
