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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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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Airtel Nigeria Leads Telecom Market Surge

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In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.

According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.

In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.

Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.

Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.

This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.

Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.

 


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#BuildWithAI Hackathon: Google Developer Groups Lagos Partners SeerBit, GoMyCode

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Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.

seerbit

This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.

“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”

Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At  SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”

“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.

The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:

  • Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
  • Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
  • Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
  • Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
  • Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
  • Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.

The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.

GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.

Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants.  This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.


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Airtel Boosts NIPR Public Relations Week with Onsite Unlimited Data Connection

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Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.

The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.

“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”

According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.

Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.

With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.

Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.


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