Jovan Protic

Background

About Jovan Protic

I am a Senior Executive with extensive experience in Digital Media, Digital Classifieds, and eCommerce, managing large product portfolios across various European markets. In 2024, I participated in an expedition to Silicon Valley, where I explored new business models for media in the age of AI and worked on building strategic partnerships on behalf of Axel Springer Group. Axel Springer is a leading media and technology company active in more than 40 countries. Through its diverse media brands—such as BILD, WELT, INSIDER, and POLITICO—and its classifieds portals, including StepStone Group and AVIV Group, Axel Springer SE empowers people to make informed decisions for their lives. After my project in the U.S, I returned to lead the Digital Media portfolio at Ringier Axel Springer. Throughout my career, I have been involved in developing some of Europe's largest online media brands, either organically or through acquisitions. These include Čas.sk (Slovakia), Blesk.cz (Czech Republic), Blikk.hu (Hungary), Blic.rs (Serbia), and Onet (Poland). I played a key role in driving the digital revenue share of Ringier Axel Springer Group, one of the largest digital media companies in Central and Eastern Europe, from 8% to 90%, achieving consistent top-line growth. For the past five years, in parallel with my group role, I have co-managed Onet.pl—one of Poland's most iconic internet brands—through a transformation from a traditional portal to a trusted internet platform. This transition has resulted in the brand's best performance in its 25-year history. Today, Onet is the largest news media brand in the European Union. I have strong connections with key decision-makers in advertising, media, startups, and politics across most Central and Eastern European markets. During my time in Silicon Valley, I built a network of over 180 media, advertising, and AI executives. I am one of the founding members of IAB Serbia and currently serve as Vice President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in Poland. Additionally, I am a member of the AI Council of the International News Media Association.