Global out-of-home (OOH) advertising technology provider, Vistar Media, has broadened its ANZ footprint with the opening of a new office in Melbourne. The move follows a 109% increase in market spend for for the business between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024.

The expansion includes the appointment of two new Account Directors, Ben Swaik and Alice Aram, who will spearhead the Melbourne team.

"Opening our Melbourne office is a significant step for Vistar as we continue to grow our footprint in Australia and the broader APAC region, underscored by compelling growth figures that highlight the necessity of establishing a dedicated office to better serve our clients," said Managing Director for APAC at Vistar Media, Ben Baker.

In 2023, the Melbourne market accounted for 23% of Vistar's total billings. This figure surged to 28% in the first half of 2024, reflecting the growing importance of this market to Vistar. Melbourne market spend for Vistar in Q1 2024 grew by 109% compared to Q1 2023.

Swaik brings over a decade of experience in the Melbourne media market, hailing from Playground XYZ. He has previously held roles at News Corp Australia, Carsales, and GumGum. "I am excited to join Vistar and build the Melbourne office. The potential for programmatic OOH in this market is immense, and I look forward to working with our clients to help them create impactful, data-driven campaigns," he said.

Aram has over 10 years of experience in the advertising industry across the UK and Australia, joining from Unpacked by Flybuys. She has also worked agency side at Dentsu Aegis Network. "Joining Vistar at this pivotal moment is incredibly exciting. Vistar's innovative technology and customer-first approach to OOH is unmatched in the industry, and I am eager to help our clients leverage these tools to maximise their campaign success," said Aram.