SPH appoints ex-Traveloka AI lead as data head

Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) has appointed Debaditya Goswami as its head of data. In a LinkedIn post, Goswami said that he feels "privileged" to join SPH as it is an organisation with "rich history and legacy". He also said that the experience has been "a bit humbling", and he is looking forward to the path ahead. Marketing has reached out to SPH for additional information.

Prior to joining SPH, Goswami helmed the role of head of artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing, vision, speech, MLOps, at travel company Traveloka, according to his LinkedIn profile. He leaves the position after slightly more than two years. Goswami was also previously data scientist for Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), where he led research and development for advanced AI solutions within the digital advertising and marketing space at DAN's AI lab. He held the position for one year and seven months. Prior to DAN, Goswami was also with technology startup iQNECT as machine learning professional, and India-based conglomerate Reliance as associate data scientist.

This appointment comes weeks after SPH said it will be retrenching 5% of its overall media group’s headcount, as it restructures its media sales and magazines operations. This is part of its media transformation roadmap and to address the impact of COVID-19 on its advertising revenue. The exercise will impact about 140 staff from the Media Solutions Division and SPH Magazines, and incur retrenchment costs of approximately SG$8 million. Additionally, Cleo, Young Parent and Shape publications will be ceased. SPH has also exited the magazine business in Malaysia. 

Separately in July, SPH named former The New Paper editor Eugene Wee as head of SPH Magazines. Wee took on the position concurrently with his present role as head of media strategy at Singapore Press Holdings. Wee is said to be “well positioned” to take on the role at this challenging time, given his career as a journalist, and having held leadership roles such as editor of The New Paper and Sunday Editor of The Straits Times.

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