Qsic names in-store retail media veteran Marc Walkin as firm's new Vice President of Marketing

Qsic, an in-store audio platform tapping GenAI audio and data intelligence, reports that Marc Walkin has joined the company as its new Vice President of Marketing.

“As retailers look to turn on new revenue streams, in-store retail media is emerging as the next major growth area, presenting a massive opportunity for audio as an advertising channel,” says Matt Elsley, Co-founder and CEO at Qsic (pictured below). “We have ambitious plans to expand into new markets, introduce new capabilities and bring more awareness to the value of audio, and Marc has the experience to execute them.”

Walkin brings expertise in retail media and brand marketing to the company, having helped to build and scale retail and CPG brands, including Stop & Shop, Popcorners, Beech-Nut and Staples. He also co-founded Turbyne, a retail media platform spun out of Advantage Solutions, and helped lead the company to a strategic acquisition by Colateral in 2024.

"Qsic is fundamentally redefining the value of in-store audio in today’s retail media-driven landscape and taking a data first approach to changing how retailers and brands connect with consumers through audio," he says.

“The potential for in-store retail media is just beginning to be realised, and it is at the forefront. The team has built a solution that enhances the in-store shopping experience while turning on a new revenue stream that doesn’t require any manual lift once set up. It’s an exciting time for retail media, and I’m eager to tell the story of how Qsic is transforming the industry through audio."

Qsic recently raised $25 million in Series B funding and is set to double its workforce and roll-out more than 70,000 speakers across North America over the next year. 

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.