Hoppr names Olivier Bastard Chief Sales Officer
Hoppr has appointed former Synamedia executive Olivier Bastard as Chief Sales Officer, as the Australian-founded addressable TV advertising specialist targets further international growth.
Bastard steps into the role after several months working with Hoppr as a consultant. He has previously held senior positions at Synamedia, Cisco and Canal+, and has more than two decades of experience across video technology, broadcast, telecoms and global media partnerships.
The company focuses on addressable and targeted advertising on television screens, an area that is attracting increased investment as viewing shifts towards connected TV and streaming platforms.
Hoppr said Bastard will lead its global commercial strategy. His remit covers sales, partnerships and revenue growth across connected TV and programmatic advertising markets as the business expands.
Executive Chairman George Gelavis said the hire comes at a pivotal time for the sector. "We are at an inflection point in the television advertising industry and our HopprTV platform is uniquely positioned to lead that transformation. Olivier has already proven his impact and securing a leader of his calibre reflects both the strength of our platform and the scale of the opportunity ahead. His experience at Synamedia and deep understanding of the global video ecosystem make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial growth. I'm thrilled to welcome Olivier to the leadership team," said Gelavis, Executive Chairman, Hoppr.
Bastard has managed large and complex engagements with major broadcasters, pay TV operators and video service providers in previous roles. He has worked with customers in multiple regions and across traditional and IP video distribution.
Hoppr said he combines technical knowledge of video platforms with experience in commercial leadership. The company said this mix will support work with advertisers, broadcasters and network operators.
Bastard has been working with Hoppr since May 2025. He has had direct exposure to the company's platform, its customers and its commercial pipeline during that period.
He said Hoppr is benefiting from market interest in more precise targeting of TV audiences. "Having worked closely with the team over the past several months, I've seen first-hand the momentum behind Hoppr and the value it delivers to operators and advertisers alike. The ability to deliver highly targeted, addressable advertising without compromising the viewer experience is exactly what the market demands. I look forward to working with George and the team as we scale Hoppr globally," said Bastard.
Growth targets
The appointment follows a year of expansion for Hoppr. The company ended 2025 with 35 million screens contracted, including agreements with StarHub in Singapore and Ooredoo Qatar.
Hoppr said it is building a commercial pipeline in multiple territories. It expects further partnership announcements during 2026 as it pushes deeper into connected TV and programmatic environments.
The company operates through its Total TV+ platform, known as HopprTV. The platform uses an overlay approach that places advertisements within the TV viewing experience on the main household screen.
Hoppr said the system relies on behavioural research and new premium inventory. It said this allows advertisers to reach curated audiences and secure full on-screen exposure for television adverts.
The company positions the technology as a route for operators and broadcasters to create new advertising inventory. It also cites demand from brands for formats that combine TV reach with digital-style targeting.
Industry backdrop
Advertisers are increasing spending on addressable TV as they seek more measurable returns from television budgets. Broadcasters and pay TV operators are also exploring new ad formats in response to shifts in viewing habits.
Hoppr's overlay model sits alongside linear channels and streaming services on smart TVs and set-top boxes. It aims to integrate with existing viewer experiences while supplying inventory that can be bought programmatically.
The company has offices and staff across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It markets its technology to operators, broadcasters and advertisers seeking additional revenue streams from TV audiences.
Hoppr's leadership team, including Bastard, is in Las Vegas this week for the CES trade show. The company plans further engagement with partners and prospects as it outlines its 2026 expansion plans.