Former OzEmail man lands top interactive media gig

In a statement released today AIMIA said Butterworth will take on much responsibility for ensuring the development of the industry body as his appointment comes during a stage of growth within the organisation.

"The industry body is increasing its range of services and members in the wake of strong growth of the local content development industry, John's appointment will be critical for leveraging further growth, policy support, and facilitating opportunities on wireless, broadband and narrowband platforms for AIMIA members," stated AIMIA.

Outgoing executive director van Rooyan said the organisation could not have picked a better man for the job, as he has "worked extensively in interactive content and marketing since 1996" she said.

Butterworth's most recent industry appointment was as the managing director for the global advertising analysis company Sabela Media following his stint as general manager of OzEmail for a number of years.

According to AIMIA, Butterworth has also consulted for Vodafone, 5th Finger and HWW on mobile content and services and is also the director at a mobile content company called Mobile & Wireless Australia.

As part of his new position Butterworth will be required to represent the industry in the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement talks, a position that, he said, he is eager to fulfil.

"I'm excited at taking the helm of such a dominant industry body," said Butterworth. "Our members range from high profile content providers such as Foxtel through to highly successful and daring content creators such as Massive Interactive, all of whom play an important role in raising the breadth and profile of our local creative content community in Australia."