Red Balloon CEO Nick Baker switches to Marketplacer
Red Balloon CEO Nick Baker has been appointed boss of the Australian outdoor equipment and road travelling accommodation and experiences marketplaces, Outdoria and Go See Australia.
Outdoria and Go See Australia are divisions of Melbourne-based market platform Marketplacer which curates communities around different consumer interests and raised $11m in private investor funding last year.
Nick Baker, left Red Balloon after two year stint
Baker is one of Australia’s most respected marketers. Prior to his two year stint at Red Balloon, Baker was marketing director of Tourism Australia. During a highly successful seven year stint for Tourism Australia, Baker oversaw the multi-award winning, Best Job in the World campaign, the creation of the “There’s nothing like Australia” positioning and the evolution of the brand into the social media world.
Having left Red Balloon three months ago, Baker will be tasked with growing the Go See Australia and Outdoria platforms in the outdoor and Australian road-trippers markets.
“Although Marketplacer and their technology can be seen as a digital disruptor, it’s also equally an enabler for companies to get their brands and products to an engaged tribe of like-minded consumers,” said Baker in a media release.
“I firmly believe it’s a growth mechanism for companies, it’s a way of making sure a consumer can find the best products and experiences by searching in one place, not across 500 sites.”
Marketplacer CEO, Jason Wyatt said Baker’s appointment continues the evolution of the Go See Australia and Outdoria platforms.
“The key hire comes after previous strong announcements regarding strategic partnerships and platform structures and now with the right people in place we are well poised for strong growth.
“Our whole business model and success is based on collaborating with the right businesses to expand our marketplaces. In the case of Outdoria, we are partnering with the leading equipment stores and suppliers and with Go See Australia we have all the best inventory of holiday and caravan parks. This sets us up to be the number one website in each space.
“It is clear Nick’s background, knowledge and passion for the industry make him the best person to lead Outdoria in this period of growth. Under Nick’s leadership, Outdoria and Go See Australia will continue to help consumers not only access the best accommodation and equipment for their adventures but will cultivate the consumer membership experience present in all our marketplaces,” said Wyatt.
Baker’s appointment follows the recent announcement by Outdoria and Go See Australia of an equity investment and strategic partnership with lifestyle park operator Discovery Parks which owns 60 parks across Australia.
