Subscription-based digital content production company VideoTaxi has welcomed communications industry expert Isobel Kerr-Newell on board as the new CEO.
Kerr-Newell joins the Auckland-based VideoTaxi team after almost 17 years working with the Publicis Groupe, most recently as Managing Director of MSL New Zealand (Publicis Groupe’s global PR & Communications network).
Kerr-Newell’s agency experience prior to MSL spans a multitude of leadership roles in PR, Social, Marketing & Business Development at Saatchi & Saatchi hubs in New Zealand and London. Her UK-based role also saw her extend to servicing clients across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
As a former member of the Champions for Change Governance Group, a Champion for Change herself and a current Global Women member, Kerr-Newell also brings a passion for creating inclusive, thriving workplaces with her to the new role.
VideoTaxi has a substantial current subscriber base, including many household brands such as Chorus, Countdown and Mercury. Kerr-Newell takes the helm as the company ramps up for further development of its successful subscription-based digital content production offering, with a focus on accelerating growth, both in New Zealand and abroad, as well as building teams and strengthening company culture.
Her appointment follows Oculus Investments growth capital investment in the business in August 2022 and continued growth in its subscriber base.
“Having had the opportunity to see the potential in VideoTaxi first-hand through my involvement as a Non-Executive Director, when I was approached to join as CEO to spearhead this next phase of growth, it was a natural next step for me,” says Kerr-Newell.
“I have experienced first-hand the challenges of creating high quality content at scale. VideoTaxi has looked at every single pain point in the content creation experience and replaced it with something that works better, creating a business model that is all about ease, efficiency, and innovation. The future of communications is video – across every touch point, so I am very excited to be joining a business so well positioned to meet this increasing need.”
Mark Lewis, Chairman of VideoTaxi says Kerr-Newell will bring deep experience across communications and content and a track record of managing businesses for growth.
“Her vision to develop a truly future-facing video communications business aligns perfectly with our own investment strategy and we are thrilled to have her on board to realise VideoTaxi’s potential,” says Lewis. “Her time on our Board of Directors has made for a seamless transition into the CEO role and we look forward to seeing the benefits for our employees and customers of her clear focus on sustainable growth, backed by a modern, inclusive business culture.”
