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Ocean Outdoor’s COO and CFO, Stephen Joseph, is set to take over as Group CEO on January 1, 2025, succeeding the long-serving Tim Bleakley, who will transition to the role of chairman. Joseph, who joined Ocean in 2009, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Ocean is primarily owned by investment company Atairos.
Reflecting on the transition, Bleakley expressed his pride in leading the Ocean team over the past 14 years, highlighting the significant progress achieved, including establishing Ocean as a globally recognized brand with cutting-edge technology and prime locations in key markets. He emphasized that the leadership transition comes at an opportune time, with Joseph, a proven leader with deep expertise in the outdoor advertising industry, being the ideal candidate to guide Ocean into its next phase of growth.
Joseph, in response, expressed his honor at being appointed Group CEO of Ocean, a company renowned for its innovation and boundary-pushing campaigns in iconic locations. He acknowledged the growth and advancements made under Bleakley’s leadership and emphasized his commitment to continuing Ocean’s legacy of creativity and success. Joseph also expressed his gratitude for Bleakley’s leadership and friendship and looks forward to collaborating in their new roles.
Melissa Bethell, the current board chair of Ocean, extended her thanks to Bleakley on behalf of Atairos and the Ocean Board for his leadership and contributions, noting his role in transforming Ocean from a start-up into a creative leader in the DOOH sector across seven European countries, including the recent expansion into Germany, one of Europe’s largest media markets.
Ocean Outdoor is a leading digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising operator, with a network of over 4,000 screens spanning seven countries and 353 cities across the UK, Northern, and Continental Europe.