RTL to merge ad businesses in combined international ad sales unit

German media group RTL has announced plans to create an international advertising sales unit.

RTL said that it would combine RTL AdConnect, G+J iMS and the media division of Smartclip to “create an international advertising sales champion”. The new business promises to provide international advertisers with simplified access to a unique portfolio of media brands across TV, digital video, radio/audio, online, mobile and print. 

This portfolio is made up of RTL Group’s TV channels, streaming services, radio stations and digital publishing brands, along with the ad inventory of partners including ITV, RAI, NBCUniversal and DPG Media.

The new unit will also closely cooperate with RTL Group’s ad-tech services provided by Yospace and the ad- tech division of Smartclip.

The new business will be led by RTL AdConnect CEO Stéphane Coruble as CEO of the unit. He will report to Matthias Dang, who will become the chairman of the new unit’s board. Oliver Vesper, currently co-CEO of Smartclip, will become chief digital officer (CDO) and deputy CEO of the new unit.

RTL AdConnect chief marketing and operations officer Daniel Bischoff will lead the new unit’s ‘Transformation Office’, during the integration of the three businesses. André Freiheit, currently executive director of G+J iMS, will leave the company by mutual consent, advising and supporting the new unit until the end of June. 

Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group, said: “In the growing competition with the global tech platforms, new alliances and partnerships between European media companies have become increasingly important. With our new international ad sales unit, we will create a leading monetisation platform that combines scale, transparency and easy access to state-of-the-art advertising technology. 

“RTL AdConnect, G+J iMS and Smartclip’s media division have strong market positions and complement each other perfectly in terms of skills, clients, services and geographical footprint. Our new monetisation platform will be open for all broadcasters and publishers seeking an innovative, customer-friendly alternative to the global tech platforms. I wish Stéphane Coruble, Oliver Vesper and the teams all the best and great success in their new roles.”