Uber Advertising Appoints Kristi Argyilan as New Global Head to Drive Growth and Innovation

Uber’s Advertising Team Welcomes a New Leader in San Francisco

San Francisco, a city known for innovation and tech breakthroughs, is abuzz with news from Uber. The company has recently appointed Kristi Argyilan as the global head of Uber Advertising, a move that many industry insiders are watching closely. With her start date effective as of December 18, 2023, Argyilan is stepping into her new role with a big mission ahead of her: to scale Uber’s existing ad products while broadening the pool of advertisers.

Expanding Horizons

So, what exactly does this mean for Uber? Well, Argyilan is on a quest to introduce new advertising formats and enhance the geographic reach of the company’s advertising arm. Perhaps most importantly, she’s focused on attracting more non-endemic advertisers—businesses that don’t traditionally fall within the ride-hailing sector. Think beyond just rides; we’re talking about a more diverse array of brands hoping to connect with consumers via Uber’s platform.

In her statement, Argyilan expressed great enthusiasm about her new role, saying, “Uber Advertising has reimagined what advertising can look like—pioneering mobility media, a new way of connecting with consumers.” And she’s right! Uber is combining a substantial, engaged audience with the power of mobility—a combination that can truly shake up the advertising landscape.

Building on Success

This new development doesn’t come as a surprise for those who have been keeping tabs on Uber’s advertising strategies. The company, just two years in operation in this arena, is on track to hit a whopping $1 billion in revenue this year. It’s clear that the appetite for unique and innovative advertising solutions is only growing among marketers. After all, as consumers increasingly rely on apps like Uber for daily conveniences, brands want to be where their audience is.

The momentum in Uber Advertising can also be attributed to collaborations with major partners like Google, The Trade Desk, and Yahoo. These partnerships have bolstered Uber’s programmatic advertising capabilities, allowing for more targeted and effective ad placements.

A Change in Leadership

Argyilan brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Before joining Uber, she was a significant player in the realm of retail media networks, having helped launch initiatives like Target’s Roundel and the Albertsons Media Collective. Her departure from Albertsons follows the collapse of a significant merger deal with Kroger, demonstrating the unpredictable climate of today’s retail landscape.

As she transitions into this new chapter, Argyilan will report to Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, the senior vice president of delivery for Uber. The advertising community is watching to see how her innovative vision will unfold, especially as Uber continues to solidify its position as a leader in the mobility media space.

Embracing Change in Marketing Strategies

In a time where changes to digital marketing are occurring at an unprecedented pace—especially with the challenges presented by the demise of the third-party cookie—marketers are looking for creative solutions. Technologies like artificial intelligence are now at the forefront of tackling the issues surrounding tracking and targeting. Furthermore, companies are embracing innovative media strategies that allow them to better connect with consumers.

The exciting move to bring Kristi Argyilan on board not only sets the stage for growth within Uber’s advertising unit but also highlights a shift towards more robust and diversified advertising solutions in the market. With her expertise and Uber’s existing infrastructure, the potential for immersive advertising experiences is boundless.

Looking Ahead

As Kristi Argyilan settles into her new role, the world will certainly be keeping an eye on Uber. With the company positioning itself as a formidable player in the advertising realm, it’s an exciting time for both marketers and consumers alike. We’re all eager to see how this dynamic team will reshape the advertising conversation over the coming months!