Very Media Group names Paul Stafford as head of retail media

Very Media Group, which is operated by The Very Group, has bolstered its senior leadership team with the appointment of Paul Stafford as head of retail media.

Stafford, who helped launch Superdrug’s retail media network Optimo, joins the Liverpool-based retailer to lead its retail media proposition.

Bringing with him over 18 years of experience across both brand and digital marketing and retail media, Very Media Group said Stafford will be the “driving force” behind Very Media Group’s next stage of growth.

In his role, Stafford will be responsible for shaping the retail media network’s long-term strategy, while enhancing pre-existing relationships with brands and establishing new strategic partnerships which align with Very Media Group’s ambition of being the multi-category retail media network of choice for brands.

Very Media Group, which launched in partnership with SMG in 2024, is a reimagining of The Very Group’s pre-existing retail media proposition. It brings together the online retailer’s in-house creative capabilities and unique combination of personal, shopping and financial data to create insights-led campaigns for some of the biggest household brands.

Jessica Myers, chief customer officer at The Very Group, said: “We’ve been operating the retail media space for over 12 years, so we’re building on strong foundations. The appointment of Paul comes at an exciting time.

“Not only will he bolster our senior leadership team to take Very Media Group to new heights, but he’ll be working closely with our outstanding team to offer brand partners even more success in their campaigns through our new enhanced first party data solution, Very iD. I can’t wait to see how Paul’s experience and strategic thinking, combined with this new offering, will help us achieve our ambition.”

Stafford added: “Very’s bold marketing activity, and purpose of helping families get more out of life really stood out to me. It’s a challenger brand that’s embracing retail media and has a data first approach to customer success. It has a long history in the space and I’m looking forward to working with the talented in-house team and SMG to take Very Media Group from strength to strength.”