Metcash, the parent company of IGA supermarkets, has appointed Mark Lollback to lead the rollout of the company’s new retail media network, LocalEyes.
The new general manager retail media has held several high-profile leadership roles across global and regional markets, including CEO of GroupM Australia & New Zealand and CMO at McDonald’s Australia and New Zealand.
“I am excited to be joining Metcash to help scale this huge opportunity,” he said.
“I truly believe LocalEyes has the potential to be a massive disruptor to the Australian media landscape – and can be an important value driver for the whole Metcash business and its partners.”
The network is being rolled out in phases, currently in supermarkets, followed by liquor and hardware, and is forecast to contribute $30 million in annual earnings by 2029.
Metcash joins competitors Woolworths and Coles in building retail media businesses.
Doug Jones, group CEO of Metcash, said the appointment reflects the growth opportunity presented by retail media.
LocalEyes has been built specifically for the needs of independent retailers, he said.
“Mark’s experience will be instrumental in helping our independent retailers take advantage of their collective scale and reach” said Jones.
"LocalEyes is more than a retail media network, it’s a commitment to supporting thriving local communities and giving independent retailers a competitive edge.
“I would also like to thank Sarah Minassian for her incredible leadership in establishing Metcash’s presence in retail media first in food with exceptional results and then with the creation of LocalEyes.
“She will continue to be integral to the growth of the network as head of operations for retail media. Sarah will report directly to Mark.”
The appointment is effective June 30 . He will report to Danielle Jenkinson, chief people and growth officer.
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