MAM
Lisa Brown to lead AOL’s interactive mkting division
VIRGINIA: America Online the world’s leading interactive services company has announced that Lisa Brown has been appointed Executive VP, Interactive Marketing. Her job will involve overseeing AOL’s ad sales activity. She will report to AOL’s Vice Chairman and President, Core Service, Ted Leonsis.
Brown joined AOL in November as Executive VP of the newly created marketing strategy and solutions group. She succeeds Robert Sherman, who left the company last week.
Since joining AOL, Brown has been responsible for crafting advertising strategy and enhancing advertising revenue and operational capabilities for the AOL service and America Online’s Web properties. Under her leadership, Interactive Marketing has worked closely with programming to align the needs of AOL’s members and marketing partners. These teams worked collaboratively to create a suite of offers for advertisers, including larger, standard advertising inventory; calendarised sponsorships and promotions; new opportunities in high-value areas such as the Welcome Screen; and more robust rich media and targeting capabilities.
Brown said, “I’m very excited about this opportunity. Advertising — across any media — should build awareness and drive transactions, and online advertising very cost-effectively accomplishes both objectives. The interactive marketing group at AOL is singularly focused on addressing advertisers’ needs and providing partners with an efficient and effective way to reach consumers. We’ve made solid progress already, and I look forward to working closely with our partners and the Interactive Marketing team to continue to evolve and enhance the online advertising experience.”
AOL Chairman and CEO Jon Miller said, “Lisa Brown is the right person, with the right skills, to lead our advertising sales efforts. In just the few months Lisa has been at AOL, she has demonstrated her innovative thinking, industry expertise, partner focus and, most important, her ability to get results. I’ve worked with Lisa for a number of years, and I know that she will be a great asset to AOL in her new role and will build on the progress we have made in turning around our advertising sales.”
“Bob Sherman did a very good job leading our sales group through a challenging time and putting in place the foundation off which we are able to build a scalable and sustainable ad business. We’re now in the advertising game, and I’m confident we’ll continue to grow advertising going forward.”
Brands
Celsius100 Consulting names Rhys Rufus CEO
Long-time leader steps up as firm bets on continuity to drive next growth phase
BENGALURU: Celsius100 Consulting Private Limited has elevated long-serving leader Rhys Rufus to chief executive officer, marking a leadership shift as the firm prepares for its next phase of growth.
Rufus takes over from founder S Ghosh, who will continue as founder and managing director. In his new role, Ghosh will focus on strategic direction and new business opportunities, while Rufus assumes responsibility for daily operations and growth initiatives.
The appointment caps a 16-year journey for Rufus at the company. Having joined in its early years, he went on to build Celsius100’s digital services arm from scratch, turning it into one of the firm’s fastest-growing verticals. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its capabilities across digital marketing strategy, performance marketing, campaign execution and measurement.
Beyond digital, Rufus has played a key role in shaping the organisation’s talent pool and expanding its client base. He has led business development efforts across India and helped extend the firm’s footprint into the United Kingdom, reinforcing its position as a cross-market consulting partner.
“Rhys has been the backbone of our growth story for 16 years. He built our digital services practice from scratch, assembled a brilliant team, and won the trust of clients in India and the UK. His calm temperament, his deep commitment to quality, and his ability to forge lasting partnerships make him the ideal person to lead Celsius100 into its next chapter. I could not be more confident in this transition,” said Celsius100 Consulting Private Limited founder and managing director S Ghosh.
Rufus struck a reflective note on taking charge. “Celsius100 has been home for the better part of my professional life and I am deeply honoured to take on this responsibility. We have built something unique together over almost two decades, and I look forward to working with our talented team and valued clients to take the company to new heights. Our focus will remain on delivering work that truly transforms our partners’ businesses,” said Rufus.
Colleagues describe Rufus as a steady hand under pressure and a leader who prioritises long-term relationships. His elevation signals a clear bet on continuity, with the company choosing to promote from within rather than look outside for leadership.
As Celsius100 enters its next chapter, the transition reflects both stability and ambition, with a familiar face now steering the firm towards fresh opportunities.
