Sony Pictures Television
Press Release
CRACKLE BUILDS DIGITAL ADVERTISING SALES TEAM IN THE U.S.
James Smith Named Senior Vice President, Digital Media Sales;
Rene Santaella Appointed Vice President, General Sales Manager
CULVER CITY, Calif. (January 8, 2013) “ Crackle, the multi-platform video entertainment network, has tapped a pair of seasoned sales and marketing executives to establish its U.S. advertising sales business and further connect its tremendous audience with advertisers. James Smith has been named senior vice president, digital media sales, and Rene Santaella has been named vice president, general sales manager. The announcement was made by Eric Berger, executive vice president, digital networks, Sony Pictures Television.
Based in Culver City, Smith will be responsible for leading the Crackle national ad sales effort as it rapidly grows across all platforms and devices. Santaella, also based in Culver City, will manage the business of ad revenues for Crackle with a focus on ad solutions, media innovation, monetization strategy, media planning, yield management and trade marketing.
Prior to joining Crackle, Smith served as vice president, digital media sales at Disney Interactive Media Group for five years with oversight of the digital national sales team and emerging platforms. In this role, he was responsible for growing ad revenues across all digital platforms including online, mobile, connected TV, social and gaming. Prior to Disney, Smith launched successful media businesses in Japan and Europe and held national sales positions at The Nielsen Company, Softbank and MediaLive.
Previously, Santaella served as director, ad sales marketing & ad solutions for Disney Interactive Media Group. During his five-year tenure at Disney, Santaella developed award winning integrated media and marketing solutions and helped build Disney's digital ad-supported business. Prior to Disney Interactive Media Group, Santaella acted as co-founder and COO of Fireworks, an entertainment agency focused on connecting brands to Hollywood.
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Contact:
Michael Maney
Director, Communications
michael_maney@spe.sony.com
310-244-8834
