Internet radio service Pandora has announced two new appointments to boost its growing presence in the New Zealand market.

With a global following of more than 76 million listeners a month, Pandora is the largest internet radio service in the world and aims to become New Zealand’s most popular choice for internet radio.

In December, Pandora NZ passed the one million listening hours-a-month mark, with each user listening for an average of two-and-a-half hours a day.

Pandora New Zealand has reached a point-of-scale that will very shortly see the organisation launch its commercial model in New Zealand, and has subsequently appointed two Account Directors - Stephen Old and Rita Steel.

With over a decade of digital experience, Old has worked with some of the world’s largest technology companies both locally and overseas. Old says Pandora New Zealand will offer exciting opportunities for advertisers.

“Pandora is best-in-class in the music streaming space," he says. "The vast majority of listeners are on mobile and the cut through opportunities this affords advertisers are exceptional."

Steel has more than 10 years’ experience in the advertising industry and a passion for new media platforms. She is a brand integration and innovation specialist and has contributed to several award-winning integrated media campaigns.

“Pandora has a highly-engaged audience who love Pandora’s leading discovery and personalisation features," she says.

"Internationally, Pandora is a global leader in brand advertising and my aim is to make it New Zealand’s as well."

New Zealand’s Commercial Director, Melanie Reece, says it's time to let New Zealand’s advertising market know Pandora – the world’s third highest earning mobile advertising platform behind Facebook and Google – is open for business.

“We are thrilled to have two such high-calibre recruits join Pandora New Zealand as foundation members of our fast-growing team," Reece says.

"Stephen has impeccable digital heritage that will see him working with clients to innovate in the mobile space.

"Rita has standout agency relationships, is known for her passion for new platforms and has worked on several award-winning campaigns. I look forward to seeing some really exciting digital campaigns brought to market for our clients."