Apple hires radio sales exec Michael Pallad to work on iTunes Radio
AdAge reports that Apple recently hired former Cumulus Media executive Michael Pallad to take charge of ad sales for Apple's fledgling iTunes Radio service. While at Cumulus, Pallad served as the company's VP of sales.
Mr. Pallad will report into the iAd organization led by VP and former Yahoo exec Todd Teresi.
Mr. Pallad's appointment suggests that Apple plans to make a stronger play at the [US]$1.56 billion US digital radio advertising market, as estimated by eMarketer. One media buyer said the executive should gain traction quickly among agencies.
While Apple currently has iTunes Radio ad deals with a host of blue chip companies like McDonalds, Nissan and Pepsi, AdAdge reports that those deals are set to expire at the end of 2014 whereupon Apple will try and pitch iTunes Radio ads to a broader group of companies. And that's where Pallad's expertise, experience and connections will reportedly come into play.
