Very Media Group has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of a new head of retail media.
Paul Stafford, who played an integral role in launching Superdrug’s retail media network Optimo, joins the Liverpool-based retailer to lead its retail media proposition.
With more than 18 years’ experience across brand, digital marketing and retail media, Stafford will spearhead the next stage of growth for Very Media Group, which is operated by The Very Group. In his new role, he will shape the retail media network’s long-term strategy, build new strategic partnerships, and enhance existing brand relationships as the business pursues its ambition to become the multi-category retail media network of choice for brands.
Launched in partnership with SMG in 2024, Very Media Group reimagines The Very Group’s previous retail media offering. It combines the online retailer’s in-house creative expertise with its rich mix of personal, shopping and financial data to deliver insight-led campaigns for major household brands.
Jessica Myers, chief customer officer at The Very Group, said: “We’ve been operating in the retail media space for over 12 years, so we’re building on strong foundations. The appointment of Paul comes at an exciting time. Not only will he bolster our senior leadership team to take Very Media Group to new heights, but he’ll be working closely with our outstanding team to offer brand partners even more success in their campaigns through our new enhanced first party data solution, Very iD. I can’t wait to see how Paul’s experience and strategic thinking, combined with this new offering, will help us achieve our ambition.”
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Paul Stafford, head of Very Media Group, added: “Very’s bold marketing activity, and purpose of helping families get more out of life really stood out to me. It’s a challenger brand that’s embracing retail media and has a data first approach to customer success. It has a long history in the space and I’m looking forward to working with the talented in-house team and SMG to take Very Media Group from strength to strength.”
Stafford’s appointment coincides with the launch of Very iD, a new first-party data solution designed to power smarter, more effective marketing campaigns. The platform supports brand partners in creating campaigns that resonate with their audiences and drive measurable ROI.
