Criteo Welcomes Jianchang Mao to Its Board as New Independent Director

Criteo Welcomes Jianchang Mao to Its Board of Directors

On October 29, 2026, Criteo S.A. announced the appointment of Jianchang "JC" Mao to its Board of Directors as an independent director, effective from October 28, 2026. This strategic move follows the company's tradition of aligning its board with industry leaders who possess extensive expertise in pivotal areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital advertising.

A Seasoned Executive with Vast Experience

Jianchang Mao is not a newcomer to the technology landscape; he brings over three decades of experience in AI and digital advertising, along with a solid foundation in search technology. His prior roles include Vice President of Engineering for Google Assistant, where he spearheaded innovative projects focusing on natural language processing and other foundational AI technologies. Moreover, his experience at Microsoft as Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Microsoft Advertising Product and Engineering showcases his ability to lead global organizations effectively.

Mao's remarkable journey began as a researcher at IBM’s Almaden Research Center. Since then, he has transitioned through key positions at Yahoo!, where he served as Vice President of Advertising Sciences among other leading tech companies, accumulating invaluable knowledge in technology innovation and operations.

Emphasis on Innovation and Value Creation

As Criteo endeavors to enhance its commerce intelligence platform amid the transformative phase for commerce and advertising, Mao’s addition to the board is seen as a vital step. Rik van der Kooi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Mao’s capability to accelerate the company's innovation. "JC's technical expertise and leadership will be key to driving durable growth and enhancing shareholder value," he stated.

Mao shared his enthusiasm about joining Criteo at such a pivotal time, stating, "Criteo’s unique commerce data and its enduring relationships provide a robust foundation for future growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team to steer the company’s innovation strategy effectively."

A Change in Leadership

In conjunction with Mao's appointment, the company also announced that Edmond Mesrobian would step down from the Board after nearly ten years of significant contributions. Mesrobian's departure is not associated with any disagreements but signifies a transformation period for the company as it continues to evolve.

The insights that both Mao and Mesrobian offered during their respective tenures illustrate the changing landscape of the technology and advertising industries. Criteo’s long-standing commitment to innovation, particularly in AI and digital marketing, necessitates board members who can navigate these ongoing changes and create lasting value for shareholders.

Looking Ahead

Criteo stands at an exciting threshold, armed with strategic new leadership that promises to facilitate its objectives in the increasingly complex landscape of digital commerce. As the company continues to innovate, the board is determined to empower the team to capitalize on emerging opportunities and solidify Criteo's position as a leader in the marketplace.

Mao’s extensive background not only in technology but also in leadership across various segments of the industry will be instrumental in guiding Criteo forward into its next chapter, as the demand for sophisticated AI solutions in commerce continues to rise. With a focus on maintaining relevancy in a rapidly changing digital environment, Criteo’s future looks promising under the new leadership dynamics.