LinkedIn first ANZ office to be headed by former Yahoo! chief

By Peter Dinham
Friday, 20 November 2009 04:24

People

Global professional network, LinkedIn, has appointed a new chief of its first Australian and New Zealand office as the company, with 52 million members worldwide and 1.1. million in Australia, looks to grow its ANZ operation by adding more subscribers, selling advertising and licensing enterprise software.

LinkedIn CEO, Jeff Weiner, said former Yahoo! ANZ managing director and 20-year industry veteran, Clifford Rosenberg, has been appointed to the role with the long-term responsibility to “grow the company’s diverse business model comprised of user subscriptions, advertising sales and enterprise software licensing for the Australia and New Zealand market.  Near-term this will include a focus on user engagement, strategic partnerships, marketing and general operations.”

According to Weiner, “LinkedIn offers the growing number of digitally connected professionals in Australia powerful tools to network and collaborate.  Establishing our first office in Australia allows us to accelerate our efforts to deliver the best user experience and expand our local partnerships.”

The appointment of Rosenberg, Weiner said, was an important stride in LinkedIn’s international expansion, adding that “given our strong and growing presence in Australia and New Zealand, we’re excited about Cliff joining the team.”

Weiner said Rosenberg had a distinguished 20-year career in the digital space, both as an entrepreneur and executive.  “He was formerly the managing director of Yahoo! Australia and New Zealand where he was responsible for all aspects of the local operation for more than three years.  Most recently, he has taken on a number of directorships including chairman of Sound Alliance, one of Australia’s largest independent online publishers; and chairman of Clear Light Digital, a digital and online marketing agency based in Melbourne.” 

Prior to joining Yahoo!, Rosenberg was the founder and managing director of iTouch Australia and New Zealand, and before that was head of corporate strategy for Vodafone Australasia and an international management consultant with Gemini Consulting and Bain Consulting.