Uber hits the gas on APAC Ads and appoints Michael Levine to lead

Uber has appointed Michael Levine as Head of APAC Sales for Uber Advertising. Levine, based in Australia, will oversee sales and operations across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and India.

Levine was previously Head of Advertising for Australia and New Zealand and was the first international lead for Uber Advertising.

He played a key role in launching the division’s first international market and has supported other APAC markets during a period of strong growth.

“Uber Advertising connects brands with consumers in real-world moments that drive action and leave a meaningful impression,” said Megan Ramm, Global Head of Sales for Uber Advertising.

“Michael has been instrumental in building our Uber Advertising business in ANZ from the ground up. I am thrilled to see his leadership take Uber Advertising to our next phase of growth and expansion across the APAC region."

In his new role, Levine will lead a team of more than 50 sellers across the region. His focus will be on growing advertiser relationships, improving measurement and insights capabilities, and supporting local teams to tailor offerings to each market.

Levine said of his appointment: “The APAC region spans an extraordinary range of markets, cultures, and capabilities. With that comes a wealth of untapped potential and exciting customer challenges to solve.

“Uber Advertising has proven to be an indispensable partner to APAC brands, with innovation and agility at the heart of our team. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum and partnering with brands to reach consumers where and when it matters most.”

Uber Advertising has expanded across the region, working with brands, agencies, and merchants in sectors including QSR, grocery, FMCG, and retail. The platform enables brands to reach users during key moments across Uber and Uber Eats, including while booking a ride or waiting for a delivery.

On Uber rides, the advertising formats include Journey Ads, shown during a user’s trip to drive engagement and conversions, and ride offers, which recently launched in Australia, and allows brands offer incentives on future rides.

On Uber Eats, formats include post-checkout ads, which are shown after an order is placed, targeting engaged consumers, and sponsored listings and sponsored items, which helps merchants and brands increase visibility and drive purchases within the app.

Uber Advertising recently announced the expansion of Ride Offers (Uber rides) on Journey Ads to Australia. Ride Offers is a new ad product that lets brands reward its riders with high-value offers on their next eligible ride.

As Uber Advertising continues to scale globally, Ride Offers represent a powerful opportunity for brands to show up in users’ lives with relevance, utility and purpose – ensuring ad dollars make meaningful connections with riders.

Top image: Michael Levine

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.