Kobo Appoints Former LG Electronics Marketing Executive Colin Bettam as its Chief Marketing Officer

TORONTO, July 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Kobo, a global leader in eReading, today announced the appointment of former LG Electronics VP of Marketing Colin Bettam to the role of Chief Marketing Officer. Bettam joins Kobo with more than 20 years of marketing experience and a proven track record of success across a broad range of industries including media, technology, consumer packaged goods, and food services.

Reporting to CEO Mike Serbinis, Bettam will be responsible for building and expanding the Kobo brand internationally through comprehensive strategies across multiple disciplines, including marketing, brand and advertising, marketing communications, public relations, events, sponsorship, and corporate social responsibility. Kobo recently launched two international ad campaigns: the Gift of Reading celebrating Moms for Mother's Day, and Reader's Passion recognizing the most passionate Readers who make reading a part of their daily lives. Bettam will be instrumental in building on these campaigns as well as furthering the overall Kobo brand as the company continues its international expansion with countries like India, Russia and Philippines expected to launch this year.

Prior to joining Kobo, Bettam was the VP of Marketing at LG Electronics, where he oversaw a multidisciplinary marketing team responsible for four business groups: mobile, home electronics, home appliances, and business solutions. He played a key role in consolidating the brand positioning across all consumer categories under the "Life's Good" banner, differentiating the company from its competitors. While at LG, he formed strategic partnerships, including a long-term, multi-pronged activation platform with the National Hockey League. Prior to his role at LG, Bettam held senior marketing roles at Coors Brewing Company, where he drove double-digit growth for seven consecutive years, as well as XM Satellite Radio and McCain Foods.

"Kobo is experiencing tremendous growth around the world and continues to reach the most passionate Readers through strong bookseller and retail partnerships as well as large-scale brand campaigns," said Mike Serbinis, CEO, Kobo. "We welcome Colin to the team and look forward to working with him on taking Kobo's brand to the next level to engage those people who truly make Reading a priority in their lives."

"Kobo differentiates itself from the competition by putting Readers first, and I'm thrilled to be joining the team to continue cultivating the love of reading around the world through brand initiatives that truly speaks to them," said Colin Bettam, CMO, Kobo. "Kobo has proven itself as a global strength in eReading, and positioning it as the best solution for the most passionate Readers continues to be a top priority."

About Kobo Inc.
Kobo Inc. is one of the world's fastest-growing eReading services offering more than 3.5-million eBooks, magazines and newspapers to millions of customers in 190 countries. Believing that consumers should have the freedom to read any book on any device, Kobo provides consumers with a choice when reading. From its Family of eReaders, which includes the Kobo Touch™, Kobo Mini, Kobo Glo, Kobo Arc, and Kobo Aura HD, to its free, top-ranked eReading applications for Apple®, BlackBerry®, Android®, and Windows® products, Kobo ensures the next great read is just a page-turn away. Headquartered in Toronto and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten, Kobo eReaders can be found in major retail chains around the world. www.kobo.com

SOURCE: Kobo Inc.

Cerys Goodall
Senior Director, Public Relations
[email protected]