Dentsu places Stagg in charge of CX and Merkle UK
Anne Stagg has been named as Chief Executive Officer of Customer Experience Management (CXM) for Dentsu UK & Ireland and UK Chief Executive Officer of Merkle. She will lead a business of 940 people at Merkle while also overseeing delivery across Dentsu’s CXM business which incorporates data and analytics, CRM, commerce, media, digital experience services, and B2B.

Stagg was previously Head of Client Services at Merkle, leading the creation of a fully integrated client services team across the company’s media, analytics, customer experience and technology service lines. She is also a former Managing Director of Indicia and Chief Client Officer at KMMS.

“This is a unique opportunity, to take on the role as Merkle’s first UK CEO in a time when we are reimagining the customer experience in the digital landscape,” said Stagg. “We are continuously improving our capabilities and the potential for our CXM line of businesses is tremendous when it comes to driving and supporting our clients’ digital transformations.”

Bondy rises to CEO at Vungle
Mobile ad platform Vungle has promoted Jeremy Bondy to Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Rick Tallman, who moves into the role of Strategic Advisor.

Bondy, who joined Vungle in 2014, has held a number of senior sales and operational roles at the company, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. He has been responsible for setting up and scaling Vungle’s commercial organization, establishing teams in Berlin, London, Beijing, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles.

“I am honoured to assume the role of CEO. Vungle has many exciting future growth opportunities, and I look forward to guiding our world-class team in creating the industry’s leading suite of tools to help mobile app developers maximise the value of their businesses,” said Bondy. “On behalf of the entire Vungle organisation, I want to express my gratitude to Rick for his invaluable contributions to the company’s historical success and, personally, for his mentorship in preparing me for this role. I look forward to his continued partnership with the company and wish him all the best.”

Salesforce names Bahrololoumi as UK CEO
Zahra Bahrololoumi has been chosen as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at Salesforce UK and Ireland. She will join the company in March 2021 to lead operations in both key markets.

Bahrololoumi will join Salesforce from Accenture, where she leads the Accenture Technology practice for the UK and Ireland with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and platforms underpinning new applications. She also sits on the board of TechUK and is a Vice Chair of the Technology Leadership Group for the Prince’s Trust.

“I am excited to join a company with such an incredible track record of driving positive change and success for its customers,” said Bahrololoumi. “Salesforce provides outstanding technology to help businesses digitally transform and there is a unique opportunity for Salesforce to accelerate its growth in the UK and Ireland. Salesforce is also deeply committed to the role that businesses can play in society; I can’t wait to get started and support its game-changing work.”

Edwards to lead EMEA digital experience at Adobe
Adobe has appointed Lee Edwards as its Vice President for Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa. He will lead Adobe’s Digital Experience business across the region.

Edwards previously led Adobe’s Digital Strategy and Solutions business in EMEA, a position he had held since joining the company in January 2020 after 14 years at SAP. He will also take on the role of Managing Director for Adobe UK, helping to drive the company’s CSR and diversity and inclusion programmes.

“Earlier this year, Adobe was named the Best Workplace in Technology among large UK companies, but this is only the beginning. Now more than ever, it is crucial that our employees feel supported in their work, their career ambitions and their personal lives,” said Edwards.

“It’s not just good leadership, it’s also good business. Adobe’s global success this past quarter, including record overall revenue of $3.23bn and seven per cent growth year-on-year in our Digital Experience business, would not have been possible without the incredible engagement from our teams. I look forward to building on that momentum in Northern Europe and helping Adobe’s customers in every industry adapt to a new era in experience.” 

Group Nine selects Camara as DE&I head
Fanta Camara has been elevated to the role of Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at mobile video publisher Group Nine Media. She will design and lead a holistic DE&I strategy, identify growth opportunities, promote the adoption of inclusive practices and provide recommendations to senior leadership.

Camara most recently served as Human Resources Business Partner for Group Nine’s mobile news publisher, NowThis, where she developed tailored solutions for strategic workforce planning, change management and team building, in addition to serving as a Diversity and Inclusion Manager. Prior to Group Nine, she was Senior Human Resources Generalist at Snap Inc. Camara also held multiple human resources positions at The Estee Lauder Companies.

“Group Nine continues to lead the digital media space with its brands’ optimistic content that highlights diverse backgrounds, voices and opinions,” said Camara. “I am thrilled to bring my own personal and professional experience to further cement the company’s foundation as a safe place that is equitable, diverse and inclusive for every employee. We have ambitious goals and I am ready to tackle this crucial endeavour.”

Petranto to head up Kantar Analytics
Data and insights firm Kantar has appointed Chris Petranto as Global Head of Kantar Analytics. He replaces Fuentes who has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the Insights division of Kantar.

Petranto, who will lead teams responsible for supporting client’s digital transformation, has been with Kantar since 2004. Before forming Kantar Analytics, he created and led Millward Brown Analytics.

“It’s a privilege to lead the team and further expand our solutions across the globe” said Petranto. “Since our launch in 2018, we have been on a mission to create the most advanced AI and machine learning tools, enabling our clients to make better business decisions, faster and at scale.” 

GroupM UK restructures
WPP’s media investment group GroupM UK has shifted Niel Bornman, Lisa Humphreys, Paul Rowlinson, Simon Willis, Charlotte Frijns, and Mark Collins into new roles as part of a restructure.

Bornman, currently Global Chief Technology Officer – Data, Product & AI at WPP, move to GroupM UK in January to lead its products and services squad as Chief Product and Services Officer.

Humphreys, current WPP UK Strategy Development Director, will begin a dual role leading the transformation and integration squad as Chief Transformation and Integration Officer, alongside her current WPP role.

Rowlinson moves from Managing Director of Group Digital UK to become Chief Customer Engagement and Growth Officer.

Willis will move from Managing Director of Investment to become Chief Investment Officer – leading the media investment management squad.

Finance and business operations will come together as one led by Frijns, Chief Financial Officer at Group M UK.

Collins will move from Chair of Investment to overall GroupM UK Chair.

“The changes announced today are the latest iteration of our goal to work in partnership with our clients to grow and create competitive advantage. By adopting a more agile way of working with these new overlapping squads we have the ability to adapt and shape our focus based solely on client needs,” said Karen Blackett OBE, GroupM UK CEO. “I am delighted with the new leadership at GroupM UK and thrilled to welcome both Niel and Lisa. Having worked with them for many years at WPP I am looking forward to having them as integral parts of this new era at GroupM UK.”

Tansill named transformation chief at Ogilvy
WPP’s Ogilvy New York has promoted Charlotte Tansill to the role of Chief Transformation Officer. She will lead an integrated strategy function for New York spanning all of the agency’s capabilities, while also partnering with Lauren Crampsie, President of Ogilvy New York, to drive the office’s business strategy and transformation.

Tansill has served in a range of roles across the Ogilvy network since joining in 2008, most recently serving as Executive Director of Ogilvy New York’s social media practice.

“I am grateful to Lauren and Ogilvy leadership for affording me this opportunity.  I am incredibly excited to accelerate growth at Ogilvy by leading our transformation and aligning our business practices with the evolving realities of our industry,” said Tansill. “Over my nearly 13 years at Ogilvy, I have fully embraced the strength of our culture and talent.  Our clients rightfully see us as thought-leaders, and we must innovate and deliver to maintain their trust.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure our leadership position sustains for years to come.”

DDB promotes Hesz and Rooney
Alex Hesz and Roisin Rooney have been elevated to the roles of Global Chief Strategy Officer and Global Chief People Officer at DDB Worldwide respectively.

Hesz will oversee the entirety of DDB’s global offerings and has work to harness the collective power of the global network. He most recently led strategy for the DDB’s Europe, Middle East & Africa and was Head of Strategy for Adam&Eve. He will continue to serve as Adam&EveDDBs Group Chief Strategy Officer for operations in both New York and London.

Rooney will lead recruitment, retention, leadership development and training and initiatives to ensure DDB talent is continuously advancing to stay ahead of client needs. She previously held the role of EMEA Chief People Officer at Adam&Eve.

“I am thrilled to elevate our current leaders from within the network into these roles,” said Worldwide CEO Marty OHalloran. “Things are changing rapidly, and were moving at pace to stay ahead. Alex brings an incredible track record from Adam&EveDDB, an agency known for its legendary work and clients. Ros experience in EMEA with growing the network, fostering our talent, and creating culture will ensure we are helping our people through this challenging time and into the future.”

Adams joins Kubient as partnerships SVP
Kubient, a cloud advertising marketplace, has hired Ryan Adams as Senior Vice President of Partnerships. He is charged with driving demand-side revenue and supporting supply-side inventory with the ultimate goal of growing partnerships and furthering Kubient’s development of relationships with brands, agencies, and publishers.

Adams has over 20 years’ experience as a sales and marketing professional at companies including Centro, where he was Head of Client Direct and Publisher Solutions in the East region.

“Kubient is a cutting-edge company driven by a passionate team of forward-thinking industry experts,” explained Adams. “I’m eager to join my new colleagues and work at a company that is bringing light to industry ad fraud and helping brands optimize their ad operations.”

FutureBrand turns to Esquivel as strategy chief
Eliza Yvette Esquivel has been announced as Chief Strategy Officer at brand transformation company FutureBrand North America. She will lead and build client teams across the agency, while developing and executing transformative strategic work for their global roster of clients.

Esquivel brings 20 years of marketing experience to the role, having previously served as the Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy at Microsoft, where she led a senior team of global strategists and partnership managers that managed the company’s productivity software portfolio. Before that, she served as Vice President of Global Brand Strategy at Mondelez International.

“I am excited to join a creative futures company,” said Esquivel. “I love thinking about and creating the future and see a huge opportunity to innovate the way thats done. I believe in the power of creativity to drive commerce and culture. With todays dynamic shifts in all areas of society, creativity is more crucial than ever.”

Lawson Johnston to manage partnerships at Hudson MX
Ad tech firm Hudson MX has named Sarah Lawson Johnston as Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Agency Partnerships EMEA.

Lawson Johnston joins Hudson MX after three years on the launch team of Covatic, where she will remain on the Board of Directors. Prior to this, she spent 22 years at Mediocean where, as Managing Director for Europe, she focused on new and existing revenue, oversaw the offices in London, France and Germany, and had full responsibility for the company’s European client relationships and business.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Hudson MX at such an exciting inflection point,” said Lawson Johnston. “They secured proof of concept through their work in local markets, they’ve established a fully comprehensive platform to replace legacy providers as the system of record, and they’re now breaking ground with the global agencies. The industry has been crying out for alternatives for years and Hudson MX has delivered a solution that far exceeds the original demand. I have great respect for JT Batson and I look forward to working with him and his team to develop the culture of the company and expand its reach.”

LivePerson adds Hamel and Higgins to exec team
Andrew Hamel has been hired as Executive Vice President of Operations and Emerging AI Businesses, while Shani Higgins has been appointed Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, at conversational AI company LivePerson.

Hamel will oversee the daily operations of the company, help accelerate growth and scale, reimagine the future of work from a synchronous office-centric model to an asynchronous employee-centric workforce, and steer its business-to-consumer strategy and execution. Before joining LivePerson, he led the development of Amazon’s recommendation engines, search function, and other machine learning-powered experiences. Prior to that, he held leadership positions at Tacit Software, Infoseek, and Tumbleweed.

“Im proud to join LivePersons team as we build the new operating model to scale to the next level,” said Hamel. “Conversational AI is bringing about a shift as profound as search and social did, and its an exciting time to join the industry leader in this space.”

Higgins’ responsibilities include the selection and support of new global strategic alliances as well as the continued growth of existing partnerships. Prior to joining LivePerson, she gained over two decades of experience at companies including Mozilla, Infoseek, and Ziff Davis, as well as in her role as CEO of Technorati.

“Its an important time in LivePersons history to turbocharge growth,” said Higgins. “Im excited to join the companys team of experts as we distribute and integrate our industry-leading tech and inject even more value into our partner ecosystems.”

Ionita joins Organic dev team
Digital marketing agency Organic has appointed George-Andrei Ionita as Senior Developer. He will be focusing on leading back end development across multiple projects and his day-to-day responsibilities will include developing and maintaining cloud-based applications and APIs, ensuring efficiency and stability of backend code, working to design application architecture and helping to develop departmental processes.

Previously a developer at Prodo Digital, Ionita’s experience also includes stints at Fact Digital and Skiddle.

“I was blown away by the level of professionalism, expertise and knowledge at Organic,” said Ionita. “This role is every developer’s dream – being able to work with the latest tech and grow as part of a talented team, in a fun, relaxed environment.”

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Hyundai selects Zepeda as marketing head
Angela Zepeda has been hired as chief marketing officer at Hyundai Motor America. Reporting to Hyundai Motor America chief operating officer Brian Smith, she will be responsible for all of Hyundais marketing and advertising activities in the US, including the strategic direction, brand development, national and regional advertising, experiential marketing, digital and social media, brand partnerships, and lead generation, among other responsibilities.

Zepeda arrives at Hyundai with more than 25 years of experience. Most recently, she was senior vice president and managing director at Hyundai’s agency of record Innocean USA, where she handled all operations for the Hyundai business including creative, planning, and media operations. She was initially hired by the agency to head up business development.

Before Innocean, Zepeda was chief executive officer of Quigley-Simpson and, prior to that, CMO at Campbell Ewald-Los Angeles. She has also worked at agencies including TBWA\Chiat\Day, Team One, Rapp, Doner, and FCB.

“Its a great honour to be going in-house at Hyundai and Im excited by the challenge of leading the marketing team during this transitional time for the automotive industry,” said Zepeda. “Hyundai is a brand on an upward trajectory with sales growth that outpaces the industry, a revamped product line up, and a laser focus on the customer experience. Im looking forward to getting started and building upon the marketing departments recent successes and accomplishments.”

Richter named chair of board at IAB Tech Lab
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Tech Lab has elected SpotX chief scientist Neal Richter as chair of its board of directors. He will play a key role in guiding the Tech Lab’s work to evolve privacy-compliant standards for programmatic advertising, simplify video ad delivery, increase supply chain transparency, and reduce fraud, among other initiatives.

Richter has more than 20 years of experience leading software teams and developing data-driven products. As co-chair of Tech Lab’s OpenRTB Working Group, he has helped the development of the OpenRTB protocol.

“It is an absolute honour to be elected chair of Tech Lab’s board of directors,” Richter said. “Having spent the past eight years collaborating with other members on standards like OpenRTB, I know how important our work is in building a better digital supply chain. I can’t wait to take an even larger role in driving the agenda and creating guidance and technology that supports the growth of video, audio, and other content and services worldwide.”

The IAB Tech Lab board also elected Eric Picard, Pandora’s vice president of advertising product management, to join its six-member executive committee.

The Ozone Project hires three
Bryan Scott has joined digital advertising marketplace The Ozone Project as marketing communications director, while Lucille Brune has taken the position of head of trading and Karen Ritchie as head of account management.

Reporting to chief executive officer Damon Reeve, Scott will lead the development and execution of the marketing, communications and event strategy. He has held positions at Capital Radio, DGMT and, most recently, Primesight, where he led the marketing team through the company’s acquisition by Global.

Brune, reporting to Ozone Audience managing director Craig Tuck, will focus on implementing campaign optimisation strategies specifically tailored to drive revenue growth and improve the advertiser experience. She joins from Captify, where she was trading director, working across Havas, Publicis, OMD, Aegis Media and independent agencies.

Ritchie arrives at The Ozone Project from STAQ. She will report to director of business development Dipti Patel and will focus on creating a streamlined approach to the on-boarding process for publisher partnerships, while identifying opportunities for publishers to grow their digital advertising revenue.

“As we complete our first year, The Ozone Project has made significant progress in delivering real scale for brands reaching engaged audiences in brand-safe and quality environments,” said Reeve. “By generating real business results for advertisers, we are closing the digital gap between brands and publishers and improving value for both. Delivering these results for advertisers are a wonderful and dynamic team, and we’re delighted that Lucille, Bryan and Karen are joining as we build the digital advertising environment of the future for brands and publishers.”

Flohr heads to Fox to lead on tech
Fox Corporation has recruited Yoel Flohr as executive vice president of technology & digital. Reporting to chief technology officer and president of digital Paul Cheesbrough, he will lead the digital product portfolio for Fox Entertainment.

Flohr will oversee digital products and relationships, including Fox Now, and will work closely with the Fox Entertainment team to develop and grow new digital businesses, partnerships and revenues.

He previously served as EVP of digital and franchise development for AMC Networks and Studios, where he oversaw its digital business. At AMC, Flohr promoted the development of global franchises like The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead and The Terror and ran the TV Everywhere business for all of AMC’s brands. Prior to AMC, he co-founded Thirty Labs and, earlier, founded Ventuation following his time as VP of digital at Shine Group.

“Yoel is the ideal leader to propel Fox Entertainment’s multi-platform and product management initiatives and partnerships,” commented Cheesbrough. “I am delighted to welcome him to the team and look forward to working together to build and grow our digital capabilities and revenue streams.”

Blackberry expands executive team with promotions
John McClurg has been promoted to chief information security officer and Christopher Hummel to chief information officer at Blackberry. Reporting to executive chairman and chief executive officer John Chen, both will begin their new roles on 26 October.

McClurg is currently Blackberry Cylance’s vice president, where he joined from a role as Dell’s chief security officer in 2016. AS CISO, he will lead all aspects of BlackBerry’s information security program globally, ensuring the development and implementation of cybersecurity policies and procedures across all divisions and corporate functions. McClurg will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and reporting on information security risks to the executive team, and serve as a company evangelist of best practices in cybersecurity.

Prior to working at Dell, he held senior positions at Honeywell International, Lucent Technologies/Bell Laboratories, the US Intelligence Community, the Department of Energy, the FBI, and the CIA.

Hummel, who is currently Blackberry’s vice president of IT and business application solutions, will serve as a transformational leader within BlackBerry, responsible for providing insights to the executive leadership on key technological innovations, ensuring IT considerations drive key initiatives across the company, and maintaining the highest level of enterprise security and employee privacy.

Hummel brings over 20 years of IT leadership experience to the role including service delivery, project management, network integration, and new business development across international locations. He joined Blackberry in 2012.

“These promotions recognise the impact of John and Christopher’s outstanding leadership in their respective roles,” Chen said. “With their skills and expertise, they will continue to work closely with me and the rest of the executive team to ensure continuity and growth across our business.”

Gott gets analytics practice lead role at Merkle
Merkle, a Dentsu Aegis Network agency, has promoted Ben Gott to the role of EMEA analytics practice leader. Reporting directly to Merkle EMEA president Michael Komasinski, his new role responds to the increasingly sophisticated and fast changing data and technology landscape, and sees the existing analytics teams from Merkle’s performance media agency and customer analytics business across EMEA brought together.

Gott, who was previously senior vice president of analytics & strategy, was director of analytics at Periscopix when it was acquired by Merkle in 2015.

“We have created several exciting analytical service offerings with clear value adds for Merkle and its clients,” said Gott. “I look forward to working with the incredible talent we have to make Merkle Analytics a unique and scaled proposition in EMEA. My vision is that this unit will drive Merkle’s solution development and elevate the Dentsu Aegis Network’s data, tech and analytics capabilities.”

Adform chooses Acton to lead UK team
Phil Acton has been appointed UK country manager at ad tech firm Adform. He will be responsible for further expanding Adform’s vision of an integrated advertising platform, drawing on his expertise in sales, new business development and account management to head up the UK team.

Acton will also cultivate and develop new and existing client relationships, as well as build on partnerships with brands, media and creative agencies.

He brings over 20 years of experience into the role including seven years at Adobe and 15 years in advertising and marketing software sales across the UK and EMEA.

Berman hired to take charge of comms at LivePerson
LivePerson, a conversational commerce solutions provider, has named Craig Berman as its senior vice president of global communications. He will lead the company’s internal and external communications strategy.

Most recently, Berman led public relations for Amazon Entertainment. Before that, he advised Jeff Bezos on corporate and crisis communications, led consumer public relations for Amazon’s retail business, and spearheaded communications for Amazon’s fulfilment network.

Prior to Amazon, Berman held leadership positions at MWWPR and worked in politics running and advising congressional and legislative campaigns. He began his career working for his home Congressman, John Kasich.

“LivePerson’s vision for conversational commerce is no less than a complete reimagining of how consumers experience their day-to-day interactions with brands,” said Berman. “Im thrilled to join LivePerson’s team of experts to tell the stories of how the brands we work with are changing the lives of their customers for the better.”

Avantgarde adds creative team of Cox and Terzic
Zander Cox and Marty Terzic have joined brand experience agency Avantgarde London as creative copywriter and art director respectively.

Both join Avantgarde from DDB, and previously worked together at FCB Inferno and Saatchi & Saatchi across clients including BMW, Oreo, Visa, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Betway, and Huawei.

The team’s responsibilities at Avantgarde centre on idea generation and development, focusing primarily on new business opportunities.

“Story has always been at the heart of everything Marty and I do, and in turn, it lies at the heart of everything that we work on,” said Cox. “We always strive to bring these stories to people in a way that means they can be immersed and active within them. We’re not talking to them, but talking with them, allowing us to shape the story together.”

Terzic added: “Avantgarde gives Zander and I the platform to create full immersive experiences that have storytelling at the heart of every project, giving people the opportunity to not just hear about the story, but to actually live it.”

Board and C-suite bolstered at Brandwatch
Digital consumer intelligence firm Brandwatch has introduced new board and executive team members. Guy Berruyer joins as chairman of the board, with Fergus Gloster taking his place as a non-executive director. Meanwhile, Eva Klein arrives as chief customer officer and Dan Freund as chief sales officer, joining Ian Collins, who joined earlier this year as chief financial officer.

Berruyer is currently also chairman of the board at Softomotive. He, most notably, served as chief executive officer at Sage for 17 years.

Gloster has the non-executive director role at Teamwork.com, Condeco, and Brightpearl alongside his new gig with Brandwatch. He was one of the founders of Salesforces European commercial presence and led Marketos European growth for over four years.

Klein, most recently, led customer success at Hubspot. She also led teams at Constant Contact, Invoca, Enservio and FatWallet.

Freund arrives from the role of chief sales officer at QuickBase. Prior to this, Freund worked at Oracle for more than 16 years.

Collins was global finance director at Christie’s, finance director at Twentieth Century Fox, chief financial officer at Marv Films, and had 10 years in senior finance roles at EMI.

“This next chapter for Brandwatch will see more growth and an expansion of our offerings in digital consumer intelligence,” said Giles Palmer, CEO of Brandwatch. “Weve hired executives and non-executives who are capable of running a company many times our size. Its an ambitious move and the best team Ive ever worked with. I feel privileged to lead them, and Im excited to see what we can build to help our customers be more successful.”

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