In her new role as general manager, global retail media, Zimmermann will help build and scale Criteo’s retail media business and develop its global sales strategy, and will report to chief revenue officer Brian Gleason.

Prior to joining Criteo, Zimmermann built the retail media network for US department store firm Macy’s, holding the title of vice-president, head of Macy’s media network.

Zimmermann started her career in consulting with Bain & Company in Europe before joining Macy’s in 2013.

The appointment follows the hiring of Stephen Howard-Sarin as managing director of retail media in the Americas in December 2023, with a focus on building and growing Criteo’s retail media footprint with advertisers and retailers in the Americas.

Howard-Sarin was most recently at Instacart as vice-president and general manager of retail media and has held leadership positions at eBay Ads and Walmart Connect.

Gleason said: “Melanie has an impressive track record of building and scaling a high-performing retail media network. Her experience at Macy’s kept her at the forefront of innovation and will be a key asset as we help unify an ecosystem that’s poised for a new stage of growth.

“In addition, I am confident that Stephen’s diversified experience leading retail media teams for the last decade will help grow our footprint and continue to transform the business in the Americas.”