Ocean Outdoor Announces Group CEO and Chairman

Stephen Joseph, Ocean’s COO and CFO, has been named Group Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025, according to a statement released by digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising company Ocean Outdoor. As part of a carefully thought-out CEO succession plan, Stephen will take over for Tim Bleakley, who will become Chairman of Ocean’s Board of Directors following a tenure of 14 years.

Ocean Outdoor announces succession plan for Group CEO and Chairman

Since joining Ocean in 2009, Stephen has played a key role in directing the company’s growth into the dynamic DOOH leader it is today. As per Ocean’s announcement regarding the change, Joseph will take over as CEO as part of a carefully thought-out succession plan. Bleakley expressed that being the team’s leader during this time had been an honor.

In 2009, Joseph became Chief Financial Officer of Ocean at the same time that Bleakley was appointed CEO. In 2015, Joseph’s duties were expanded to include the joint position of chief operating officer. He was a manager at the accounting firm BDO UK prior to joining Ocean. He worked at KPMG for more than four years as an assistant manager.

Melissa Bethell will remain on Ocean Group board

Melissa Bethell, the current board chair, will “remain an active member of the Ocean Group board” after the election in 2019. Her precise function remains undisclosed. Since Ocean delisted from the London Stock Exchange and joined the independent strategic investment firm Atarios as a partner in 2022, Bethell has served as chair.

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Here’s what they said

Tim, the incoming Chairman, said,

“It has been a privilege to lead the Ocean team over the last 14 years, and I am incredibly proud of the tremendous progress that Stephen, the team and I have achieved together, including becoming a world recognised brand with best-in-class technology and premium locations in key markets. As we enter the next stage of our journey, now is the right time for a transition of leadership. Stephen is a proven leader with deep expertise in the outdoor advertising business, and he is the right person to lead Ocean in the company’s next phase of growth. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Stephen and the Board to ensure a seamless transition and execute on our ambitious plans.”

Stephen commented,

“I am honoured to assume the Group CEO role of Ocean, a company that has been synonymous with innovation and challenging the status quo, creating iconic and award-winning moments and campaigns in iconic locations through the art of outdoor. Under Tim’s leadership, Ocean has grown and pushed boundaries across the media landscape. As we move into an exciting new chapter for Ocean, we will continue to evolve by drawing on the same ethos, creativity and culture that’s driven our success for so many years. I want to thank Tim for his outstanding leadership and friendship, and I look forward to continuing to work together in our new roles starting next year.”

Melissa Bethell, current Board Chair of Ocean, added,

“On behalf of Atairos, Ocean’s majority owner, and the full Ocean Board, I would like to thank Tim for his leadership and many contributions to Ocean over his tenure. Tim oversaw Ocean’s transformation from a start-up of nine people into a creative force and DOOH leader across seven European countries, including most recently expanding into Germany, one of Europe’s largest media markets. Tim has worked closely with the full Board to develop a thoughtful and robust succession plan, for which we are immensely grateful. Under Stephen’s leadership and with Tim’s continuing guidance as Board Chairman, we are confident that Ocean’s best days lie ahead.”

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