Acast Promotes Ricardo Neto to Managing Director, US Sales Amid Record Regional Momentum

Acast today announces the promotion of Ricardo Neto to Managing Director, US Sales. Reporting to Laura Hagen, SVP, Regional Managing Director, Americas & Global Head of Agency Relations, Neto steps into this newly created leadership role on the back of strong US momentum for Acast. He will oversee all stateside sales efforts to streamline execution and power the next phase of North American growth.

The US has rapidly emerged as Acast’s fastest-growing region globally, characterized by surging advertiser demand and an expanding footprint. In Q2 2026 alone, the region saw net sales climb 37% organically. This growth is being further accelerated by Acast’s proven ability to attract premium content and top-tier publishers - including The Washington Post, The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, Slate, and The Athletic - while scaling its capabilities through strategic acquisitions like Wonder Media Network and Backyard Ventures.

Neto will ensure Acast remains the premier podcasting destination for brands at every level of investment by fostering even deeper client partnerships and capturing greater market share. He will achieve this by leveraging the company’s full suite of capabilities, spanning everything from premium host-read sponsorships, brand-made ads, and programmatic advertising, to high-value, omnichannel campaigns across audio, video, and social.

“Ricardo is exactly the leader we need to leverage our recent successes and scale our business further,” said Hagen. “His proven ability to optimize sales operations and drive comprehensive go-to-market strategies allows us to deliver exactly what modern advertisers need, particularly as the demand for 360-degree storytelling continues to grow.”

Neto joined Acast in 2023 with an extensive background in podcast advertising and digital media at companies including Spotify and Penske Media, bringing sharp commercial discipline and a proven track record of scaling revenue during his tenure as VP of Sales to this newly expanded role.

I’m excited to lead our US sales strategy at a pivotal moment for Acast," said Neto. "Our recent acquisitions and the premium content we’ve added to the marketplace give buyers a proposition no one else in podcasting can match. When you pair that with our platform scale, we are positioned to deliver the full range of campaigns that brands demand. That means better outcomes for brands, and more sustainable revenue for the creators who make it all possible.”