Criteo has announced that it is starting a succession plan for a new chief executive, following CEO Megan Clarken’s decision to retire within the next year. Clarken will continue in her role until a successor is appointed and will also serve as a senior advisor to help with the transition. This comes at a critical moment for Criteo as it continues its shift from ad retargeting to becoming a major player in “commerce media,” driven by new privacy regulations.
Clarken’s leadership has been marked by significant changes, particularly in response to the move away from third-party cookies due to rising privacy requirements and regulations like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations and the California Consumer Privacy Act. During her tenure, Criteo has broadened its focus beyond ad retargeting to include a wider array of advertising technologies and solutions.
Criteo Begins CEO Succession Plan as Megan Clarken Announces Retirement, Transition to Focus on Commerce Media
Under Clarken’s guidance, Criteo has made several key acquisitions to bolster its presence in retail media. Notable deals include the purchase of IPONWEB in December 2021 for about $380 million, the acquisition of the London-based retail media platform Mabaya in 2022, and the purchase of BrandCrush in 2023. These acquisitions were aimed at enhancing Criteo’s media trading capabilities and adapting to changes in the advertising sector.
Additionally, Clarken’s tenure included significant investment in Privacy Sandbox research, addressing concerns about the future of third-party cookies in Google Chrome. There has been speculation about further acquisitions or potential sales, but Criteo’s official statements suggest that the focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the company’s progress.
Rachel Picard, chair of Criteo’s board of directors, commended Clarken for her crucial contributions over the past five years and the transformation she led. Clarken has committed to working closely with the board to ensure a seamless succession process while maintaining the company’s strategic direction and progress during this transition period.
