Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent omnichannel sell-side advertising platform, has announced the appointment of Julie Selman as its new UK managing director.

Selman brings with her over 15 years’ experience working across the digital advertising industry, specialising in connected TV (CTV), programmatic, and digital media sales. Joining from FreeWheel, a Comcast company, Selman most recently held the position of senior director and head of Demand Strategy UK and Northern Europe. During this time, Selman played a key role in establishing the FreeWheel Media team and led the launch of its CTV product offering across multiple countries. At Magnite, Selman is tasked with accelerating commercial growth in the UK market, and will report into Stephen Wing, SVP head of EMEA.

This appointment comes during a crucial time for digital advertising – 2021 will see rapid evolution across the industry as ad spend recovers, buoyed by video’s accelerated growth. Research shows the number of UK CTV users surpassed the predicted 38.6 million estimate in 2020 to reach 40.9 million, shifting consumer viewing habits for good. In the third quarter of 2020, Magnite saw its US CTV revenue grow over 50% YOY; combined with Selman’s appointment, this presents an exceptionally strong opportunity for the company to lead CTV advertising adoption in the UK.

“Julie’s extensive experience leading commercial teams and driving growth on an international scale makes her a crucial asset,” said Stephen Wing, SVP head of EMEA at Magnite. “As the industry continues to adapt to pressing challenges such as the depreciation of third-party cookies, both the buy- and sell-side are looking to adopt viable solutions that support independence, control, and openness across all programmatic advertising channels. With Julie’s leadership in the UK market, Magnite will be well positioned to guide the digital advertising industry through this period of transition.”

“With 49% of adults owning a smart TV as of last year, CTV viewership is expanding and the UK ad industry is primed to respond,” commented Julie Selman, UK managing director at Magnite. “I am pleased to join Magnite at such a dynamic time. I am looking forward to working with the team to meet the complex needs of marketers and publishers and to realise the full potential of programmatic omnichannel advertising.”