Catena Media Appoints Martin Zetterlund as Interim CTO Amid Transition
Board member Martin Zetterlund steps in as interim chief technology officer at Catena Media under a consultancy agreement, remaining on the board while the firm seeks a permanent CTO.
Key Takeaways
- Catena Media named board member Martin Zetterlund as interim CTO under a consultancy agreement.
- Zetterlund remains on the board while overseeing the technology function and reports to CEO Manuel Stan.
- His technology leadership background includes founding Sentor Managed Security Services and senior roles at Distil Networks.
- The executive change follows the unexplained departure of previous CTO Edward Midolo.
- Catena Media is addressing search volatility and shifting strategy towards a technical infrastructure platform.
Catena Media has named board member Martin Zetterlund as its interim chief technology officer, bridging the executive gap while a global search for a permanent CTO proceeds. Zetterlund, who joined the company’s board in December 2024, assumed the technology role on 17 September 2026, reporting to CEO Manuel Stan and retaining his board seat during the interim period. The appointment was made under a consultancy agreement, allowing Zetterlund to oversee the technology function until a full-time successor is found.
The CTO Transition at Catena Media
Catena Media’s latest executive shift follows the departure of Edward Midolo, who had assumed the CTO role in April 2024 as part of a wider reshuffling of the affiliate’s executive team. Midolo’s earlier tenure with Catena Media began in October 2018 in central technology functions, eventually leading to his promotion. The company’s public statement made no reference to Midolo or the circumstances surrounding his exit, and no reason for his departure has been disclosed.
Zetterlund’s board membership and status as interim CTO distinguishes this transition. He is expected to provide stability while the search continues, maintaining direct oversight of Catena Media's technology agenda and reporting lines within the C-suite. The arrangement is structured so that Zetterlund continues to serve in both capacities for the duration of the search.
Zetterlund’s Background and Industry Track Record
Martin Zetterlund brings considerable experience from the cybersecurity and technology sector. Based in Stockholm, Zetterlund co-founded Sentor Managed Security Services in 1998 and led the company until its acquisition by Accenture in 2021, subsequently serving as managing director at Accenture. He has also worked as senior vice-president of advanced projects at Distil Networks, further extending his technical leadership background.
“Martin has followed our technology work closely from the board and knows the organisation well,” said CEO Manuel Stan. “His experience of building and running technology businesses will support the team while we complete the recruitment of a permanent CTO.”
Latest executive hires at Catena Media prior to Zetterlund’s appointment include chief HR officer Jamie-Grace Farrugia and senior vice-president of marketing Valentina Giommoni, both named in April 2025.
Affiliate Business Pressures and Technology Strategy
Catena Media continues to face structural pressures prevalent across the affiliate sector, including volatility in organic search traffic—driven by shifts in the Google algorithm—and the growing influence of AI-driven discovery. Following Q2 results described as disappointing by management, CEO Stan confirmed in August that the company would expand its scope: “beyond affiliation and lead generation into a technical infrastructure and intelligence platform”.
Stan observed that, “The way users discover content is shifting, and revenue from organic search is more volatile than it used to be… we need to adapt to that.” The stated strategic pivot involves further investments in proprietary technology, aligning with Zetterlund’s expertise and the current interim role he fills.
Catena Media’s Broader C-Suite Evolution
Catena Media’s recent leadership changes reflect a period of transition. Alongside Stan’s appointment as CEO in July 2024 (formerly of Kindred Group), Michael Gerrow was promoted to CFO, while other senior roles have seen new appointments in the past 18 months. As Catena Media seeks to reposition itself in the affiliate and technology landscape, the interim CTO post ensures continued stewardship across technology operations.
Recruitment for a permanent CTO is ongoing. Catena Media signals that the specialist search is a priority, using Zetterlund’s blend of board experience and technical background to navigate the transition period.
Catena Media and Market Context
This executive appointment comes as the affiliate sector adjusts to a rapidly changing digital and regulatory environment. Across news and b2b reports, themes of technological adaptation and leadership evolution have defined 2026 for many industry players. Catena Media’s current C-suite realignment is positioned as a response to these external market factors, alongside internal imperatives to diversify revenue and deepen technical capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is serving as Catena Media's interim CTO?
Martin Zetterlund, a member of Catena Media's board since December 2024, has taken the role of interim CTO as of 17 September 2026 while retaining his board seat.
What experience does Martin Zetterlund bring to Catena Media?
Zetterlund co-founded Sentor Managed Security Services and joined Accenture as a managing director after its acquisition; he has also held senior roles at Distil Networks.
What is the structure of Zetterlund's appointment as interim CTO?
He is serving under a consultancy agreement, reporting directly to CEO Manuel Stan and remaining a board member until the permanent CTO is hired.
Why did Catena Media's previous CTO, Edward Midolo, leave?
No reason for Edward Midolo's departure has been shared by Catena Media, and his exit was not addressed in the company's announcement of the interim appointment.
What strategic pressures is Catena Media currently facing?
Catena Media is adapting to volatility in organic search and Google algorithm changes, as well as the rise of AI-driven search, prompting a shift toward technical infrastructure and intelligence platforms.
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About the author
Marcus Webb
Industry Deals Correspondent
Marcus Webb covers the deal flow of the gambling industry — operator strategy, M&A, market entries, and product launches from sportsbook rebrands to full platform migrations. The reports name the companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as disclosed and separate the announcement from its market impact. When a group consolidates a brand or a challenger launches into a new state, Marcus Webb explains who gains, who pays, and what closes next quarter.
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