Global media company Turner has promoted Aksel van der Wal to oversee a new division which will seek to lead its digital innovation internationally.
Van der Wal (pictured), currently senior vice-president and chief financial officer, will become executive vice-president of digital ventures and innovation for Turner’s international operations, effective January 1.
Under his leadership, Turner said the new division will focus on driving profitable growth through international consumer-centric initiatives, including all of Turner’s international multi-platform suite of digital properties and its direct-to-consumer product strategy. Van der Wal remains responsible for the company’s international technology and operations (T&O) organisation.
In close co-operation with the Turner International presidents, Van der Wal has the responsibility for the existing portfolio of international products and services on the web, for smart phones, games, apps and OTT.
He will also be charged with developing new digital direct-to-consumer businesses, leading a cross-platform business intelligence function that drives consumer insight; managing the internal T&O infrastructure; and helping to implement the strategy of the non-linear ad sales business.
Additionally, he will seek to identify new opportunities for Turner and decide on how to engage in those new areas, through technological product innovation and acquisitions.
Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner International and to whom Van der Wal will report, said: “This new division will ensure that we assess new opportunities for innovation, development and acquisition through the lens of relevant, robust consumer data and through a realigned, agile organisational structure.
“Aksel’s experience in transformative management, his first-class understanding of both the linear and digital media landscapes, and his detailed knowledge of Turner’s international operation, all combine to make him a superb fit for this new role.”
In his role as chief financial officer for Turner International, Van der Wal will be succeeded by Trey Turner, currently senior vice-president of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions. Turner will also take up his new position on January 1.