In the wake of a disappointing earnings report in its fiscal fourth quarter, online radio service named a trio of new
advertising executive appointments. Tommy Pizzo, formerly with BrightRoll, joins Pandora as regional vice president for the East Coast. Based out of the company’s New York office, Pizzo will
focus on providing clients innovative, cross-platform ad solutions.
Pandora also hired Brian Colbert as vice president for mobile advertising sales, charged with helping marketers reach their
desired audiences across its mobile properties. Previously, he was senior director of mobile ad sales and strategy at ESPN.
Pandora also promoted Brian Mikalis to SVP, monetization and
mid-market sales, focusing on generating more revenue from the company’s growing mobile audience.
The company earlier this month reported revenue and usage growth in its fourth quarter
ending Jan. 31, but posted a widening loss and missed sales and earnings forecasts. The weaker-than-expected results stemmed in part from slowing advertising demand at the same time listening hours
were increasing rapidly, leading to lower ad pricing that hurt the bottom line.
The new hires reflect Pandora’s stated goal of build out its local and regional sales force and improving
mobile monetization efforts.