Wright steered ABC though the turbulent waters of the recession that followed the financial crash and during his tenure has taken the organisation forward to a new era in its 84-year history. ABC has been transformed from a predominantly print circulation auditor to a brand digitally-focussed media industry standards and verification provider, operating across a wide range of digital and other channels, says the ABC.
It now delivers to the market both multi-platform ‘publisher brand’ measurement and pioneering work on brand safety and viewability in digital ad trading. The 2010 re-structure that brought the AOP and IAB into its governance, allied to a re-branding and change in culture and values, has also enabled ABC to respond more speedily and innovate at greater pace. Partnerships with others such as UKOM and BARB have also broadened ABC’s footprint across a wider array of media sectors.
Sally Cartwright, Chairman of ABC since 2010 commented, “The Board will be sad to lose Jerry Wright, of course, but he is leaving ABC in excellent shape for the future. Having worked closely with Jerry for the last five years, I shall be very sorry to see him go, but he has an excellent, flexible and highly capable team at ABC. His successor, when appointed, will be building on solid foundations to take ABC onwards into the challenging future of media measurement.”
Jerry Wright, Chief Executive said, “I have had a wonderful seven years in post and seen ABC change and grow its services and capabilities very substantially over that time. I now feel it is the right time for me to step back and consider my next move, most likely elsewhere in the media or not-for-profit spheres. ABC, the industry ‘stamp of trust’ is now better-equipped to meet the demands presented by the rapidly-evolving media world and in particular to take advantage of the opportunities presented by emerging digital platforms, as traditional media silos evolve. I will follow news of ABC’s future successes with great interest.”
