Acast appoints new Creator Network leadership in the US

Following Veronika Taylor’s recent appointment to SVP of the Acast Creator Network, Acast announces the appointment of two US executives to leadership roles for its Creator Network in the market.

Tiffany Ashitey has been appointed US Director of the Creator Network, overseeing domestic podcast acquisition, partnership management, and growth. Ashitey was previously US Director of Partnerships at Acast, leading a team working with podcasters to distribute, optimize, and amplify their shows. She will report to Taylor.

A three-time Webby Award-nominated executive producer, Ashitey has more than a decade of experience leading, executing, and managing projects in audio storytelling, video, and podcast production. She also founded the ESSENCE Podcast Network, the first-ever podcast network in the media brand’s 50-year history — created, operated, developed, and produced by women of color.

Ashitey said: “It’s beautiful to see how podcasting has evolved and opened the door for first-rate talent and unique storytellers, including many creators who are new to the medium. As interest in the space takes off and podcasters eye new audiences, our goal is to seek out and amplify their stories effectively and strategically — ensuring an array of programming gets in front of listeners with various shared experiences, while enabling creators to operate a thriving business off their hard work.”

Tim Ruggeri has been appointed US Director of Development and Studios. He’s tasked with seeking out new US podcast talent and managing the acquisition of programming in the market. He will report to Ashitey.

Ruggeri has been with Acast for nearly six years and was one of the company’s first employees in the US. He’s worked with popular independent creators and major publishers to grow their podcasts and has spearheaded a number of high-profile projects — including Acast’s signings of A+E Networks, The Intercept, Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino, Dungeons & Daddies, and new series Kasich & Klepper, which features former Ohio governor John Kasich and The Daily Show comedian Jordan Klepper. He has more than a decade of experience in media, communications, and online content creation.

Ruggeri said: “I look forward to leading our fast-growing development teams as we join forces with the industry’s most renowned podcasters and bring new, diverse voices into the space.”

Their appointments come at a time when the company is rapidly expanding the Creator Network in the US, as high-caliber podcast talent flocks to Acast. Just last week, the company announced its new partnership with Anna Faris for her podcast, Anna Faris Is Unqualified.

Acast currently powers more than 35,000 podcasts globally — from the most popular independent podcasters to world-renowned publisher partners.

Georgie Holt, Managing Director, Americas, at Acast, said: “Tiffany and Tim are stellar members of the team who deeply understand the world of audio and what moves audiences. Through their work and Veronika’s leadership, our Creator Network team sets the industry standard in delivering value for podcast talent — in the US and beyond. It’s no wonder creators of all sizes, genres, and identities are turning to Acast.”

In addition to their appointments, Acast is adding a further four new hires to its podcast development teams in the US.