We’re pleased to announce that Sam Smith, Head of Audience Services at the BBC, has been appointed as the next Managing Director of Clearcast. She will take up her post in early April, succeeding Chris Mundy who was in position for 11 years before being appointed as Chief Executive of media data science company RSMB.
Clearcast is best known for clearing ads for television and broadcaster VoD services. Our mission is to get ads to air (and keep them there) through services and systems ranging from training to media booking to advertising clearance and beyond. Finding the right person to lead the company was a high priority for Clearcast’s shareholders, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and Turner.
Sam joined the BBC in 2000 and has been Head of Audience Services for the last ten years, managing the BBC’s audience support, enquiries and feedback services. During this time, she has introduced new technologies into customer service, providing technical support via social media and webchat, and working with suppliers to relaunch the websites that the public use to access the organisation.
Sam Smith said “Clearcast has earned a reputation for expertise, operational delivery and innovation and I’m excited to be joining as Managing Director. The industry is evolving quickly and I look forward to leading Clearcast through a period that will see broadcasters providing increasingly addressable formats and digital platforms.”
Chris Mundy said: “I’m delighted that Sam has been appointed as my successor. Having previously worked with Sam, I know she is passionate about broadcast media, a great leader, collaborative and highly creative. She has exactly the right skills and approach to lead Clearcast as the advertising industry continues to evolve.”
Clearcast’s chairman Mark White said: “In a strong field, the Board were especially impressed by Sam’s leadership ability, understanding of technology, people skills, regulatory experience and her huge passion to do the job. Chris leaves Clearcast in great shape and Sam is well placed to both provide continuity and lead the company and team in the next stage of its development.”
The team at Clearcast look forward to welcoming Sam in the Spring.
