Catena Media names Messner as new financial chief

Affiliate marketing giant Catena Media has appointed Peter Messner as its new group chief financial officer, with effect from 1 April.

Messner joins Catena having most recently served as CFO of Swedish media giant Modern Times Group's esports-focused subsidiary MTGx. Prior to this, he also spent time in senior roles with poker network Ongame  and and its one-time parent company, bwin Interactive Entertainment.

Upon becoming CFO at Catena next month, Messner will replace Erik Edeen, who had been serving as interim group CFO. During his time in the role, Edeen is credited with rebuilding and transforming Catena’s entire financial structure.

After stepping down from the position, Edeen will continue to support Catena in strategic projects for the foreseeable future.

“With a well-functioning financial infrastructure in place, due to Erik’s contributions, our playing field is now ready to welcome Peter as CFO,” Catena chief executive Per Hellberg said.

“His wide-ranging experience in key online media and gaming industries will fortify Catena Media’s operations in the years to come.”

The appointment comes after Catena last month reported a full-year loss of €10.5m (£9.1m/$11.9m) for 2019, mainly due to impairment charges related to assets acquired between 2016 and 2018.

Revenue for the 12-month period through to 31 December 2019 amounted to €102.8m, down 2.1% from €105.0m in the previous year, as Catena revealed that all of its core business units suffered during the period.