Its acronyms all the way in the Zoo today, with IAB appointing a new CEO, PDM installing a new network manager and a new finance director at RI.

IAB Australia has announced the appointment of Paul Fisher as its inaugural CEO.  Mr Fisher, who is currently national sales director at News Digital Media, will commence 1st July 2008 immediately stepping into a series of meetings with senior executives in publishers, agencies and industry bodies to discuss their key issues, challenges and opportunities with regard to the adoption of internet advertising in Australia.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead IAB Australia as we work together to develop internet advertising in this country, This is a dynamic time for the industry with internet advertising continuing to grow substantially each year. I’ll be working hard with a broad range of interested parties to increase the adoption of internet advertising, as well as deal with the challenge of creating the world’s leading online audience measurement system.”

Mr Fisher will replace current IAB Australia general manager Patty Keegan who has been running IAB Australia since its launch in 2005. Ms Keegan will now focus on her primary business, Vanishing Point Media. Mr Fisher was previously group sales and business development manager with ninemsn.

Australian provider of out-of-home digital media, Prime Digital Media (PDM) has appointed Jon Marshall as network manager to the Wellbeing Network.

Marshall will be responsible for managing and developing the digital signage network, which consists of LCD screens and touch-screen kiosks at prominent locations across three pharmacy brand channels – Amcal, Guardian and Blooms.

“I am excited to join PDM and play a part in the growth of this unique out-of-home digital signage platform. As the PDM networks are a ‘new’ technology and media, the most challenging part is to educate everyone from pharmacists to suppliers about the many benefits of this targetted in-store medium.”

Research International (RI), one of Australia’s largest market research firms, has appointed Pia Sicat as the company’s new finance director.

Based in Sydney, Pia will support the company’s regional CFO David Turnedge in the financial management and corporate planning of the Sydney and Melbourne offices.

Her role will be to manage the finance and administration teams and provide reporting and analysis to the regional board, Research International’s Worldwide Office and the parent companies Kantar/WPP.