Events

Please note change of date for this event which was originally scheduled for 24th March.

Topic: This dinner will share insights on where how content is changing, and how the role it plays in the ad market is evolving. Video ads, the new power of branded content, next generation social media, and compelling web centric services: find out what's in store from one of the most experienced and influential figures in the UK web publishing industry.

Meet Geoff: Geoff Sutton is General Manager for the MSN Global Media Group (GMG) in EMEA, where he takes on overall responsibility for leading Microsoft MSN’s Content and Portals strategy and initiatives. Geoff moved into his current role after three successful years as Microsoft’s Regional General Manager for MSN Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

In his position Geoff takes a hands-on, innovative approach to building engaging content that grows creative inventory for digital advertisers in EMEA and revenue for MSN. MSN has 465 million unique visitors worldwide in 42 markets and 21 languages. In his previous role as Regional General Manager for MSN EMEA, Geoff was focussed on building the MSN brand and leveraging the success of a regional and global network to provide MSN advertisers with optimal digital marketing solutions and consumers with the best of breed communications and information services. He also spearheaded initiatives in the field of responsible leadership, including the closure of MSN Chat across Europe, working with industry to combat spam and ending pop-up and pop-under advertising on MSN sites, to provide customers with a safer and more enjoyable online experience.

Geoff began his career at Microsoft when he joined MSN UK in 1996 when it consisted of just 20 people. In 1997, he launched MSN News, an online news and information site that pioneered the use of roving "cyber-reporters" and built strong news-led communities around major stories and events.

He then became Director of MSN UK, where he led a number of high profile initiatives and saw a 55% increase in revenues and 41% increase in the number of UK digital marketing clients for the same period. Prior to working in the Internet business Geoff was a Fleet Street journalist. He was a showbiz and news reporter at the Daily Mail and news reporter at the Daily Mirror, before becoming news editor of the Sunday Express and then Today until its closure in 1995.