Lizzie Young to depart Nine for social app WeAre8

Nine’s managing director of local markets and group marketing, Lizzie Young, has announced her resignation after almost 12 years with the company. She will be making a switch to social app WeAre8, taking the role of chief executive for the Australian branch of the company.

UK-based WeAre8 was founded by Australian Sue Fennessy in 2012, and aims “to divert billions in ad spend away from traditional social media channels which lines the pockets of billionaires, and give it to people and planet instead.”

The app works by paying users for their time watching ads, and lets users donate to charities and organisations that fit their ethics. Donations can be sent to charities that tackle issues that include climate, poverty, health, education, water, animal welfare, equality, and peace.

“Lizzie Young has made a significant contribution to Nine since she joined us 12 years ago and we thank her for her passion and energy which she brought every day. We wish her well in her new role as CEO of WeAre8 in Australia,” Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby said about Young's departure.

Young was one of the internal candidates from Nine who was considered for the top job after Hugh Marks departed the company last year. Ultimately Mike Sneesby took over as chief executive.

Lizzie Young will depart her role at Nine ​​at the end of June.

In the UK, Channel 4 and Centerstone Capital recently made a significant investment in WeAre8 as part of a $15m series B funding round. 

The company has reported that 55% of every pound advertisers spend on WeAre8 goes on to be shared directly with people and charities, with another 5% going to a creator fund to fuel micro shows, collaborations and monthly challenges.