Kennedy to head up Omnilab Media digital group

In a move seen as the biggest signal yet of Omnilab Media making a major play in the IPTV space in Australia, the company has promoted Tom Kennedy into the newly created role of executive director, group digital services.

Kennedy, who was also recently promoted to GM of The Playroom, now takes on a broader leadership role across the entire Omnilab Media group of 17 companies.

Says Omnilab Media managing director Christopher Mapp: “Tom’s experience in digital strategies is second to none in Australia. Aside from running his own successful digital agencies, he is very well known for writing some of the most influential papers in the industry and chairing the landmark ‘Unlocking the Potential, The Digital Content Industry Action Agenda’ report released in 2006 that shaped what has become the country’s move towards super-fast broadband and an expanded digital economy.

“This new role means Tom will now concentrate on bringing Omnilab Media’s group strengths to the market in a synergistic and cohesive way, in order to maximise opportunities in the digital arena. With The Playroom very much the hub, the group will extend its focus to non-linear channels and enhanced digital services. Tom’s appointment signifies the next phase of aggressive expansion and growth for Omnilab Media in these areas.”

Kennedy has been a key part of the team which has seen The Playroom go from being a channel playout centre to a major content manager, aggregator and digital distribution hub in the last three years.

Says Kennedy: “My new role is to continue the growth and innovation of The Playroom whilst taking advantage of wider opportunities in the market. To that end I am very fortunate to be able to draw on the success and leadership skills available at each of Omnilab Media’s portfolio of companies. We have created an opportunistic and innovative culture at Omnilab through clever digital strategies, smart acquisitions and a significant investment in R&D. It’s the perfect time to make the most of all of Omnilab Media’s considerable resources in the digital space and to highlight the fact that we can provide real, working solutions in key areas like digital cinema and IPTV.”