Horizon Media Appoints Former IBM Digital Exec as President To Bolster AI

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Horizon Media Holdings, the parent agency of Horizon Media, has hired the former Chief Digital Officer at IBM, Bob Lord, as its first president.

Lord worked for over 7 years at IBM in various high-profile tech-related roles, notably serving as Chief Digital Officer between 2016 and 2019. He has also operated in executive roles at AOL and Publicis Groupe owned PR firm Razorfish.

“Stepping away from media and marketing for almost a decade to immerse myself in AI, data, and quantum computing was a transformative experience,” said Lord. “[It] provided invaluable insights into how advanced technologies can unlock new possibilities, solve challenges, and revolutionise business and society.”

Known for transforming businesses with a unique knowledge of the intersection between marketing and technology, Lord’s appointment signifies a bold commitment to AI transformation for Horizon Media Holdings, the largest US media agency and largest independent agency globally.

Almost all companies are considering how they should be using AI to bolster their offering and stay ahead of their competitors, and ad and marketing agencies are no exception.

As a result, there has been a general emphasis on tech and innovation roles within agencies in recent years – and we are likely to see these roles grow in prominence.

Lord’s appointment, first reported by PR Newswire, comes weeks after the agency announced the launch of One Horizon, a full-service creative agency which aims to offer tech, data, and creativity all in one place.

“The launch of One Horizon reflects our commitment to delivering business outcomes that are not only intelligent and data-driven, but also profoundly creative,” said Horizon Media founder and CEO Bill Koenigsberg.

As Horizon undergoes this evolution with a clear emphasis on implementing tech, Lord’s hiring appears timely, and highlights a growing movement amongst agencies towards decision making with integration of AI in mind – Lord bringing with him experience of implementing and scaling AI.

“[His] accomplishments across technology, innovation, and business transformation make him the ideal leader to drive Horizon Holdings forward,” Koenigsberg said about the new hire.

”I look forward to working with him to ensure we remain agile, forward-thinking, and deeply attuned to the voice of our clients, redefining what it means to be an independent, tech-centered, and people-first organisation,” he continued.

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