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Meet Linda Yaccarinon, Newly Appointed CEO of Twitter

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Linda Yaccarino, the newly appointed CEO of Twitter was previously NBC Universal’s top advertising sales executive, she was on Friday officially announced as the new CEO of Twitter by Elon Musk.

Musk, who acquired Twitter last fall, tweeted his excitement about Yaccarino joining the company and mentioned that she would primarily focus on business operations while he concentrates on product design and new technology. The goal is to transform the platform into an all-encompassing app called “X, the everything app.”

Yaccarino is expected to assume her role at Twitter by the end of June. Musk, on the other hand, will take on the positions of executive chair and CTO. His acquisition of Twitter was a result of a contentious back-and-forth with the board.

One of Yaccarino’s primary responsibilities will be to rebuild Twitter’s advertising business, which Musk claimed had suffered a significant decline of up to 50% after he acquired the company.

Advertisers have been cautious due to Musk’s unpredictable decisions in running Twitter and his reinstatement of previously banned accounts.

Yaccarino is known to hold conservative political views and had served on Donald Trump’s council on sports and nutrition during his presidency.

However, her imminent appointment as Twitter CEO caused a stir on “conspiracy Twitter” as right-wing users discovered her affiliation with the World Economic Forum (WEF), an organization they perceive negatively. Yaccarino had chaired the WEF’s Taskforce on the Future of Work.

After announcing Yaccarino’s hire, Musk commented that he believes people from both ends of the political spectrum will find her to be smart, fair, and reasonable.

This announcement followed Musk’s previous day’s announcement about hiring a new CEO without disclosing her name. Reports soon revealed that Yaccarino, NBCU’s chairman of global advertising and partnerships, was in talks for the Twitter CEO position. On Friday, prior to Musk’s confirmation, Yaccarino resigned from NBCU.

Musk had previously stated his intention to step aside as Twitter’s chief executive once he found a suitable replacement. However, he will retain full control of the social network and remain closely involved in its management.

Although Musk’s deal for Twitter was initially valued at $44 billion, he now values the company at $20 billion. He has recently renamed the company “X Corp.” as the parent organization of Twitter.

Yaccarino’s interest in Twitter stems from recognizing the opportunities within the platform. Lou Paskalis, a former senior marketing executive at Bank of America, mentioned that Twitter is likely selling advertising at significant discounts in exchange for volume commitments.

Before her tenure at NBCU, Yaccarino spent 20 years in ad sales and marketing roles at Turner, holding positions such as EVP/COO of advertising sales, marketing, and acquisitions.

Who is Linda Yaccarinon?

63-year-old Linda Yaccarino was born in New York City. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, and she began her career in advertising at J. Walter Thompson.

Linda Yaccarino Career

Yaccarino began her career in the media industry in 1986, when she joined Young & Rubicam as an account executive.

She quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1996, she was named President of the agency’s New York office. In 2000, Yaccarino joined NBCUniversal as President of Advertising Sales. She was promoted to Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships in 2018.

She quickly rose through the ranks, and in 2011 she was named chairman of global advertising and partnerships.

In this role, she is responsible for all of NBCUniversal’s advertising sales, including for its broadcast networks, cable networks, and streaming services.

Under Yaccarino’s leadership, NBCUniversal’s advertising business has grown significantly. In 2022, the company generated $13 billion in ad revenue, making it one of the largest advertising sales organizations in the world.

Yaccarino has also been a vocal advocate for the media industry, and she has spoken out on a variety of issues, including the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the need for better measurement of advertising effectiveness, and the future of the media industry in the digital age.

Linda Yaccarino Personality

Yaccarino is perceived as a strong advocate for the advertising industry, and she has been a vocal critic of the way that digital platforms have disrupted the traditional advertising model. She has also been a leader in the development of new ways to measure the effectiveness of advertising.

In addition to her work in the advertising industry, Yaccarino is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Future of Work. She is also a member of the board of directors of several companies, including the New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Yaccarino is a highly respected leader in the advertising industry, and she is known for her intelligence, her creativity, and her passion for her work. She is a role model for women in business, and she is an inspiration to many.

She has been a strong advocate for the future of work, and she is committed to helping people prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Linda Yaccarino has been recognized for her work by numerous organizations, including Adweek, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Role at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF)

Linda Yaccarino WEF
Linda Yaccarino, member, World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Council on the Future of Media, Entertainment and Culture

Yaccarino is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Council on the Future of Media, Entertainment and Culture. She is also a member of the WEF’s Board of Trustees. Yaccarino is a strong advocate for the role of media in society, and she believes that the media can play a vital role in shaping the future of the world.

Linda Yaccarino’s accomplishments

  • She is the first woman to lead NBCUniversal’s advertising sales business.
  • She has been named one of the most powerful women in business by Fortune magazine.
  • She is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Media, Entertainment and Culture.
  • Linda Yaccarino is a strong advocate for the role of media in society.

She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. She is a role model for women in business and an inspiration to many.

A Seasoned Ads Executive

Linda Yaccarino brings a wealth of experience to her new position. With an impressive background in advertising, she served as the chairman of global advertising and partnerships at NBCU for over a decade.

During her tenure, she achieved outstanding success, generating over $100 billion in sales according to her profile on the company’s website. Yaccarino’s expertise in the advertising industry is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Twitter’s monetization strategies and driving revenue growth.

Presidential Appointment

Yaccarino’s accomplishments extend beyond the corporate realm. Former U.S. President Donald Trump appointed her to the Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. This recognition highlights her ability to navigate diverse domains and collaborate with influential figures at the highest levels of government.

Spearheading COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Yaccarino demonstrated her commitment to public health initiatives. She worked closely with the White House and Pope Francis to develop and execute impactful vaccination campaigns. Her collaboration with such prominent entities underscores her ability to navigate complex partnerships and address critical societal challenges.

A Woman With Experience

While specific details about Linda Yaccarino’s age remain private, reports suggest that she is approximately 60 years old. This wealth of experience brings a seasoned perspective to her new role, encompassing decades of professional achievements, industry insights, and a proven track record of success.


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MTN Awards N2.5m to Top Fellows at Media Innovation Programme Graduation

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MTN Nigeria recently celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), awarding a total of NGN 2.5 million in cash prizes to three outstanding fellows. The graduation ceremony took place at the Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, highlighting MTN’s commitment to fostering innovation in the media sector.

Launched in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the MIP is designed to equip media professionals with essential skills in traditional journalism while emphasizing the importance of technology in storytelling. Over six-months, fellows engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included topics such as media entrepreneurship, ICT in media, and ethical journalism.

During the graduation ceremony, three fellows were recognized for their exceptional contributions including the MTN Nigeria Chairman Award for Innovation awarded to Augustus Aigbe of Cool FM; the MTN Foundation Chairman Award for Innovative Reportage to Moninkanola Ogidan of Adaba 88.9FM, Akure and the MTN Award for Best Reporting awarded to Chiemelie Ezeobi from ThisDay Newspapers.

The Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, emphasized the importance of the media innovation and adaptability in media, stating that these awards represent an investment in the future leaders of journalism. “At MTN, we believe a lot in excellence, which is why the partnership with Pan-Atlantic University is still ongoing. We recognise that the future of media lies in innovation and adaptability.

“These awards do not just celebrate the Fellows’ achievement; we are investing in the next generation of media leaders. In an era where digital platforms redefine how stories are told, media practitioners must be equipped with the skills and resources to thrive.”

Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, highlighted the significance of investing in future media professionals to drive positive societal change while maintaining ethical standards. “In recent times, technological innovation, social media, Artificial Intelligence and the likes have been viewed as dangerous, due to their misuse, although they are not in themselves bad.

“And this is one thing that drives our programs for media practitioners. Our vision is to train and equip competent and professional persons who will use these technological advancements and platforms as a means to contribute to the good of the society.”

The ceremony ended with the Class President, Nifemi Oguntoye expressing his gratitude towards MTN and Pan-Atlantic University for providing a transformative experience that fostered cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and South Africa. “We’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best minds in the industry. The lessons learnt during our study trip, discussions and engagements have been invaluable. We are eternally grateful to Pan-Atlantic University and MTN for the commitment to empowering Nigerian journalists. A number of our colleagues look forward to having this experience in the next cohort and we know they will not be disappointed”, he said.

To date, MTN Nigeria has invested over NGN 300 million in the media. MIP not only aims to enhance the skills of individual practitioners but also seeks to contribute to a more robust media landscape capable of navigating the complexities of a digital economy projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2026. The event reflects MTN’s ongoing dedication to bridging the digital divide and enhancing media capabilities within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving landscape.


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MTN Commits to Nigeria’s Digital Growth at South Africa-Nigeria Summit

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MTN Group and MTN Nigeria have expressed delight at participating in the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town on Tuesday, during which the strong bonds between the two countries were reinforced and plans were made to accelerate cooperation.

MTN Group CEO/President, Ralph Mupita and MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe with President Tinubu

The MTN delegation – led by Group President & CEO, Ralph Mupita, MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola – was honoured to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of the meeting, which was hosted by South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Hon Parks Tau.

MTN Nigeria is an important MTN subsidiary, accounting for some 27% of all MTN subscribers and some 23% of Group service revenue.

MTN has long established itself as a company that is a proud supporter of the Nigerian economy, remaining committed to contributing to the nation’s progress across several fronts.

“We believe in the Bi-National Commission’s objectives and the pivotal role of the digital economy in driving inclusive growth in Nigeria. We look forward to continuing our support for economic development initiatives,” says a MTN LinkedIn post.


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NiRA Honors Ikechukwu Nnamani with Prestigious Presidential Award

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Digital Realty Nigeria’s CEO, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, has received a prestigious Presidential recognition from the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) at the 7th .ng Awards.

Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani

This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to the growth and evolution of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem over the past three decades.

“Nnamani was honored for his innovative spirit and leadership in shaping the future of the digital landscape,” said NiRA President, Adesola Akinsanya, while commending him and other awardees for their exceptional work in driving digital transformation in Nigeria.

A visibly humbled Nnamani dedicated the award to his dedicated team at Digital Realty Nigeria, acknowledging their pivotal role in the company’s success. He expressed gratitude to NiRA and the broader industry for recognizing his contributions.

This latest recognition adds to Nnamani’s impressive list of accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards and the prestigious Titans of Tech Hall of Fame.

The 7th .ng Awards, a biennial event, celebrated the achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

The two-day event featured insightful discussions on emerging technologies, digital trends, and the role of the .ng domain in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.


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