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Outgoing Head of PromaxBDA Lands a New Executive Post

Nov 13, 2013  •  Post A Comment

Jonathan Block-Verk, who is exiting as president and CEO of PromaxBDA, as we reported Monday, has his next job lined up. B&C reports that Block-Verk will assume the newly created position of executive VP of strategic partnerships and head of television for Shazam.

The hire is part of Shazam’s push to expand its second-screen work TV players, the story reports.

"In the new post, Block-Verk will oversee the company’s business relationship with cable, broadcast, programming and multichannel video providers," B&C reports.

Block-Verk had a six-year run leading PromaxBDA.

The B&C report notes: "The hiring of Block-Verk is the most recent example of how Shazam has been bringing in executives with extensive experience in television to bolster its alliances with the broadcast and cable industries. Earlier this year, Shazam hired Kevin McGurn, formerly of Hulu, as its new chief revenue officer and Daniel Danker, formerly of the BBC, as its new chief product officer."

In a statement, Shazam CEO Rich Riley said: "Shazam is aggressively working with leading networks and production companies to drive ratings, engagement and revenue for our TV partners while providing an exceptional experience for consumers. From driving tune-in for shows like ‘Almost Human’ and ‘Sleepy Hollow,’ to integrated content such as voting for ‘The X-Factor’ or real-time scores for the U.S. Open, Shazam is a leader of the second screen. We are especially proud of our most recent success with a half a million Shazams of the Country Music Awards broadcast. With his extensive experience working with industry leaders, Jonathan is going to be a tremendous leader of our efforts around TV."

Block-Verk added in a statement: "I have spent my career working at the intersection of media, technology and audience engagement, helping the world’s most innovative television and advertising executives contextualize and embrace the evolving media landscape. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Shazam team, working with the television industry to successfully — and profitably — take advantage of this incredible new platform that is already redefining the future of our business."

jonathan block-verk2.pngJonathan Block-Verk

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