Google’s Jason Pellegrino named as new Domain boss
Google's managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Jason Pellegrino, has jumped ship to become chief executive of online real estate portal Domain.
An email to Domain staff from executive chairman Nick Falloon announced the appointment, saying Mr Pellegrino would start the role on August 27 after almost 10 years at the search giant.
“Jason’s career as a digital executive with deep experience in sales, strategy, operations and product and technology is well known and greatly respected,” the email said. “His leadership acumen and track record for inspiring and driving performance at Google will greatly assist him to take Domain, and all of our many talented people, into an exciting next stage of growth.”
Mr Pellegrino previously worked in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions at Dakota Partners, LEK Consulting, PepsiCo and KPMG.
Fairfax Media, owner of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, has a 60 per cent share of the property classifieds site, since listing it in the stock exchange in 2017.
Domain undertook a global search for a new chief executive after the surprise resignation of former boss Antony Catalano, who said the demands of being a listed company chief executive had required him to relocate to Sydney, which he “wouldn’t ask” of his Melbourne-based family.
Mr Catalano steered the company to a $2.2 billion ASX debut in mid-November and has since become one of Domain's main clients after purchasing a stake in Tomorrow Agency/Media Plus.
Mr Pellegrino has been the managing director of Google’s Australia and New Zealand arm since May 2016, having previously worked in several other roles for the digital search giant.
He said in a statement he was “delighted” to be joining the real estate platform.
“I have spent close to a decade with Google and consider myself enormously lucky to have worked with fantastic colleagues, partners and customers, dealing with the rapid shift in technology, from desktop, to smartphone and now the AI-powered world ahead,” he said.
“Throughout this time, I have always prided myself on supporting the growth of incredibly strong teams and establishing transparent and trusting relationships with partners and customers, something I am looking forward to continuing as I join Domain.”
Mr Pellegrino’s fixed salary including superannuation will total $1.2 million. He has the opportunity to earn another 60 to 80 per cent of this amount under a short-term incentive plan as well as long-term incentives.
Google's Asia Pacific president, Karim Temsamani, thanked Mr Pellegrino in a statement.
“I want to thank Jason for his tremendous contribution to Google over the past decade. Jason has not only been a great leader for our operations in Australia and New Zealand, he has also been a strong champion of the digital agenda and opportunity for the region," Mr Temsamani said.
Domain shares rose as much as 2.5 per cent to $3.25, their biggest intraday percentage gain since June 12.