SINGAPORE — Magnite (Nasdaq: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising platform, today announced its new leadership team in Asia following the acquisition of SpotX. Gavin Buxton has been appointed Managing Director of Asia, responsible for growing the business across key markets including Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea; Yogesh Sehgal will assume the role of Head of Partner Development. Juliette Stead will continue to lead Magnite across Asia Pacific and Japan in her role of Senior Vice President, Head of JAPAC.
The announcement marks an important step towards integration following Magnite’s acquisition of SpotX, which created the largest independent CTV and video ad platform. The company now boasts an increased headcount, omnichannel strength due to the combined technology and experience across all digital ad formats, and a recently announced investment in its APAC data center.
In his role as Managing Director Asia, Gavin Buxton will oversee the Magnite Asia team from Singapore, growing existing business and opportunities in emerging markets. Previously, Gavin was Managing Director, Asia at SpotX where he oversaw the business’ operations in Asia and Japan. He has over 20 years of global experience in digital advertising, having worked in leadership roles at technology, broadcasting, and publishing companies, including Microsoft, Turner Broadcasting, and LinkedIn, with the last ten years based in Asia building businesses. As a leading participant within industry trade associations including the IAB SEA and India and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Gavin plays an active role in the growth and development of the advertising ecosystem across the region.
As Head of Partner Development, Yogesh Sehgal will focus on developing opportunities in the region across identity, data, measurement, and other relevant areas to respond to local market needs. He will also work closely with Magnite’s account and product teams, ensuring the unique requirements of local publishers and media buyers are fulfilled – with an additional focus on new and emerging markets. Previously, Yogesh was Asia Regional Manager for Magnite and Publisher Lead APAC for Rubicon Project. He brings 15 years of experience in the industry including working with Times Internet and Thomson Press.
Juliette Stead, Senior Vice President, Head of JAPAC at Magnite commented: “With Gavin at the helm of Magnite’s business in Asia, the company is well positioned to support media owners and media buyers in this market as they seek a scaled, independent alternative to the giants that often dominate the media landscape. Although OTT and online video are now as important to Magnite as ever, we are committed to the company’s roots as an omnichannel SSP: a tech partner that makes it easier for sellers to create a great ad experience for audiences, monetise all ad formats, and for buyers to reach engaged audiences all over the world.”
Gavin Buxton, Managing Director of Asia at Magnite added, “I’m delighted to be leading our new Magnite team as we work to integrate our teams and technology. We’ll be focused on helping our clients grow their businesses across OTT and all other formats including video, display, and audio and connecting brands to reach audiences in premium, brand safe environments.”
Market Perspective
- Media Partners Asia predicts that the online video industry in Asia Pacific (excluding China) will grow at roughly 15% per year to reach US$23 billion by 2024.
- Findings from the research report OTT is for Everyone found that over two-thirds (69%) of video viewers in the APAC region watch streaming video at least once a week, confirming that both the audience size and regularity of OTT viewing has matured and entered the mainstream.
