Following the launch of its market-changing public wifi platform, O2 Wifi has appointed Ben Mein, a former director for The Nielsen Company’s Online and Media business, as Head of Commercial Delivery at O2 Wifi.

In his new role he will work closely with Gavin Franks, MD of O2 Wifi, and will be responsible for the delivery of the O2 Wifi business plan, including the development of commercial strategies, expanding client and third party relationships and overall financial growth, leading the Sales team.

Mein has 12 years of digital media experience gained during successful tenures within both media owner and agency businesses. Ben founded and led the Digital Strategy team at News International, developing consumer insights and commercial strategies across all its digital businesses. Following a move to New York, he worked for a fast-growing online advertising network where he created innovative advertising partnerships with top US online media owners. Prior to joining O2 Wifi, Ben was Commercial Director of Nielsen’s Online & Media business in the UK where he developed strategic client relationships and led a commercial team that generated strong revenue growth.

Gavin Franks, MD of O2 Wifi, said: ‘Ben has a proven track record in delivering strong commercial results for the digital media sector. His experience will prove vital as we continue to grow our venue partnerships and work with these partners to enhance customers’ wifi experience through the delivery of relevant timely content.’

Ben Mein, head of commercial delivery at O2 Wifi, said: ‘I am pleased to be joining Gavin and the O2 Wifi team to help create a scaled wifi platform with the aim to at least double the number of premium hotspots currently offered by BT Openzone and The Cloud combined by 2013. Following the team’s already successful hotspot rollout in its retail and office estate this year, I am relishing the challenge to develop our unique offering with partner venue owners to rapidly build our footprint throughout the rest of the UK over the coming months and years.’

O2 was the first mobile provider to offer the public wifi that is genuinely free, simple, fast and secure with the launch of O2 Wifi earlier this year. Its premium hotspots are managed through partnerships with key venue owners and are open for all customers to access for free, no matter which mobile or broadband provider they are with.

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