News Briefs

Retail media tech provider Koddi is expanding its capabilities to support in-store retail media through a partnership with In-Store Marketplace (ISM).

The integration is designed to help retailers and advertisers execute seamless, cross-channel campaigns that span both digital and physical store environments.

Through a direct integration with ISM’s platform, Koddi now enables unified management of in-store and on-site media campaigns. The solution addresses a key challenge in retail media: managing multiple technologies and vendors to run campaigns across a retailer’s network. According to the release, the new infrastructure simplifies content and ad management across ISM’s more than 31,000 connected stores and enables better performance tracking.

“Retail media is one of the most effective drivers of growth, and now retailers and advertisers want to extend that success into their physical stores,” Nicholas Ward, co-founder and president of Koddi, said in the release. “In-store is where most purchases still happen, yet it’s been one of the hardest environments to scale and activate. We’re investing in the infrastructure and partnering with industry leaders like ISM to remove the friction and enable retailers to run smarter, more coordinated campaigns across every part of the shopper journey.”

The partnership also allows advertisers to track combined sales performance and brand lift across both online and in-store touchpoints. With deeper insights into campaign impact, brands can better optimize their media spend and engagement strategies.

“This partnership brings together ISM’s deep expertise in powering in-store activations at scale,” added Paul Brenner, SVP, Global Retail Media & Partnerships at ISM. “Koddi’s advanced commerce media technology enables retailers to extend their retail media offerings in-store and elevates accessibility for the buy-side. Together, we’re helping advertisers reach shoppers who spend over $749 billion a year within our connected network.”

Koddi also plans to expand the partnership later this summer to streamline retail media buying and offer additional flexibility to partners.

Lesley Conway has been named head of Walmart Connect in Canada. Walmart Connect is the retail giant's advertising arm. 

In her new role, which took effect May 5, Conway oversees the Walmart Connect business in Canada and is responsible for its strategic direction, operations and growth projects. She’s also tasked with enhancing Walmart Connect’s advertising solutions, strengthening partnerships and delivering value to clients.

Conway has more than 25 years of experience spanning media, marketing and advertising. She previously served as CEO of Mindshare Canada, leading the agency through a transformative period.

Conway also previously served as president of Hatch64 — a performance marketing agency — and senior vice president of sales for Bell Media.

“I’m thrilled to join the team and be a part of Walmart Connect’s journey of connecting brands and customers in meaningful ways," Conway said in a statement shared with P2PI. “Retail is a dynamic and ever-evolving space, and I couldn’t imagine a more exciting time to step into the world of retail media. I look forward to building strong partnerships with our brand and agency partners and collaborating with our talented team to create unique solutions for customers, fostering innovation and growth.”

Conway has held numerous positions across industry boards including the Canadian Media Director’s Council, the board of directors for the Radio Marketing Bureau, the Canadian Outdoor Bureau of Measurement and the Broadcast Bureau of Measurement’s Portable People Meter Committee.  

Dollar General has added a rewards-driven ad format to its media network through a new partnership with the Fetch rewards app.

The partnership enables brand advertisers to incorporate Fetch offers into their Dollar General Media Network (DGMN) campaigns to reach what Fetch describes as “high-intent shoppers,” per a media release.

The collaboration is designed to help advertisers drive incremental purchases and strengthen acquisition and retention through rewards-based engagement.

Also Read: Dollar General Leans Into Experiential Sampling for Retail Media

“We’re excited to introduce a new channel for DGMN advertisers to connect with shoppers when they’re actively planning and making purchase decisions,” Tony Rogers, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Dollar General, said in the release. “Fetch’s scale and ability to jumpstart measurable results make it a powerful extension of DGMN — helping advertisers engage shoppers beyond our four walls, across the communities we serve.” 

Fetch is a free mobile platform that rewards consumers for submitting receipts from everyday purchases. Users earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to a wide range of retailers, while brands can leverage anonymized shopper insights and personalized engagement solutions.

"Shoppers come to their Fetch app with intent — they’re planning, buying, and ready to be rewarded," added Courtney Cochrane, retail industry lead at Fetch. "By partnering with DGMN, we’re giving brands a way to meet consumers in those exact moments and drive real results."

Marketing experience company Quad is partnering with Vistar Media to make it easier for grocers and CPG brands to buy in-store ads.

Out-of-home (OOH) media provider Vistar's advanced ad server and supply-side platform is being integrated into Quad's In-Store Connect retail media network. This not only makes it easier for advertisers to buy inventory for the in-store retail media network, but it also gives them more precision and flexibility. The automated programmatic bidding platform empowers brands to auction ad spots almost instantaneously while maximizing cost-efficiency and targeting audiences. 

"By integrating Vistar's technology, Quad is transforming brick-and-mortar stores into dynamic, real-time advertising channels. This partnership bridges the gap between online precision and in-store influence, delivering measurable results for advertisers and retailers alike," George Forge, SVP, client technology & product development at Quad, said in a news release. "We're enabling brands to dynamically reach consumers with agile campaign management, transforming how they can show up in physical retail environments and stand out among heavy competition."

The partnership aligns with Quad’s goal to help marketers make friction-free consumer connections across physical and digital environments. In-Store Connect utilizes strategically placed in-store digital signage and kiosks (in-aisle screens, endcap displays and store-wide placements), giving brands greater visibility and driving enhanced brand recall, engagement and conversion.

"We're excited to partner with Quad to simplify and enhance how brands connect with shoppers in physical retail spaces," Sean Cheyney, head of retail media, Vistar Media, said in the release. "By integrating with Vistar's Ad Server and SSP, Quad's In-Store Connect network now offers advertisers seamless access to thousands of brands and agencies worldwide."

Since its 2024 launch, In-Store Connect has expanded its regional footprint to include Homeland Stores and The Save Mart Cos. locations, providing advertisers access to millions of shoppers. Vistar's out-of-home media connects media owners to buyers through their platforms.

Momentum Worldwide has appointed Jason Alan Snyder (pictured) its first-ever global chief AI officer. It marks a transformative move in the agency’s commitment to delivering intelligent brand systems through responsible innovation.

Snyder, who currently serves as chief technology officer and head of global production, will continue in that capacity. With Snyder at the helm of AI and production, Momentum is doubling down on scalable, intelligent and immersive brand experiences.

The agency's vision is to help clients navigate complexity through powerful systems that marry technology, creativity and cultural relevance.

Snyder's AI officer appointment signifies the agency’s recognition that artificial intelligence is not simply a technological shift but a business imperative in advertising.

"Jason's appointment reflects where our industry is headed — and how Momentum plans to continue to lead it," said Donnalyn Smith, Momentum Worldwide global CEO, in a news release. "He has a rare ability to turn complex systems into a brand advantage, and his vision ensures our clients stay ahead, responsibly and creatively."

An accomplished technologist and inventor, Snyder has led the development of intellectual property for Momentum spanning AI systems, data orchestration and real-time production technologies.

The advanced work has become a key part of Momentum's innovation strategies, enabling the agency to deliver proprietary solutions far beyond commercialized AI tools.

"This is not about hype — it’s about helping our clients navigate and lead through complexity," Snyder said in the news release. "As chief AI officer, my focus is embedding intelligence into every layer of what we do — from operations to concept to execution — making AI a trusted partner in delivering the smartest brand experiences."

Momentum has a rich legacy of technology "firsts," from real-time fan engagement platforms and spatial computing activations to immersive digital twins and generative content engines.

The chief AI officer appointment represents the natural next phase of that journey: formalizing AI as a strategic core of the business, rooted in innovation, ethics and outcomes.

Market research firm Circana has named industry veteran Cara Pratt as president, global retail and media, effective May 27. 

In this newly created role, Pratt will lead Circana's retail and media strategies, with a focus on strengthening its position as a strategic growth partner to retailers. She will oversee the evolution of Circana’s service model, bolster retail media network partnerships and expand capabilities.

Pratt will also lead the company's media strategies, leveraging comprehensive industry data, science and technology to improve advertising effectiveness.

"[Pratt] joining underscores the immense opportunity we see for our retail and media businesses, and our commitment to delivering innovative growth and media solutions that best serve our retail partners," Stuart Aitken, Circana president and CEO, said in a media release. 

"Retail and media are evolving rapidly, and our clients need to stay ahead," added Jeremy Allen, Circana chief commercial officer. "Pratt's deep knowledge and forward-thinking approach will strengthen our ability to deliver impactful results and help our clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape."

Pratt's Background

Pratt joins Circana with more than 20 years of experience in retail media, data science and consumer insights. For nearly eight years, she has held various roles at 84.51°, Kroger's data science, insights and media subsidiary. She most recently served as senior vice president, media, insights and loyalty. In this role, she oversaw Kroger’s integrated retail media, consumer insights and loyalty marketing business. 

She played a key role in launching Kroger Precision Marketing and connecting media exposure with in-store sales to help brands improve media performance and enhance the consumer shopping experience. 

Prior to 84.51°, Pratt had a brief stint as a retail client solutions executive at Circana predecessor, IRI. Before that, she spent more than a decade at Dunnhumby, where she held multiple senior roles, including SVP, specialty retail and sector expansion.

"As a former employee and partner, I have a distinct appreciation for Circana’s unparalleled data, science and technology," Pratt said in the release. "I am honored to join the company and look forward to influencing retail decision-making and helping the retail ecosystem win in today’s dynamic operating environment."