This week's London appointments

Jack Smith, DoubleVerify

DoubleVerify, a software platform for digital media measurement, data and analytics, today announced the appointment of Jack Smith as chief product officer, Demand Solutions.

In this newly created role, Jack will be responsible for advancing DV’s agency and brand advertiser solutions portfolio, with a focus on high-growth emerging channels, such as CTV.

He will also lead all strategy and implementation efforts related to scaling the company’s product development and commercialization activities to ensure greater success.

Matt McLaughlin, COO of DoubleVerify, commented: “I’m happy to welcome Jack to the team.

“He’s one of the most respected technologists in the industry, with a proven track record of product innovation and digital transformation.

“At DV, we strive to deliver best-in-class solutions across the digital ecosystem, helping to build a better industry.

“Jack is an excellent addition to our company, as we continue to build our brand and drive our advertiser suite of media quality and performance solutions globally.”

Alex Lazarevic, JDO

JDO, the brand design and innovation agency, has today announced the appointment of Alex Lazarevic to the role of design director.

Alex joins the agency following a freelance career that has seen her work across a broad portfolio of world-famous accounts, including Unilever and Mars.

Paul Drake, founder and creative director at JDO, commented: “Alex is a consummate designer and always delivers highly creative and inspired work with a contemporary edge.

“We believe Alex will champion creative excellence and prove to be a strong leader within our global management team.”

Alex added: “JDO is an agency that has always committed to the code of creating beautiful things with utility and purpose.

“It’s an agency on the ascent right now, and I am joining at a pivotal time - being part of its future is something I am very much looking forward to.”

Matt Lederer, Castleforge Partners

Property investment firm Castleforge Partners announced its entrance into the hospitality sector with the new hire of Matt Lederer from Marriott International.

Matt joins Castleforge as the company’s hotels acquisitions director, broadening the firm’s portfolio from investment in residential and office property to hotels.

With Castleforge looking to invest in the hospitality sector in the next year, Matt will form a key part of Castleforge’s decision making team on hotel acquisition across the UK and Europe.

With 14 years of industry experience, including stints at commercial real estate firm JLL, he brings with him an excellent hotel real estate network which he will draw on at Castleforge to evaluate the market and finalise deals.

Matt commented: “I was really impressed by the vision the Castleforge team have for investment into the hospitality sector.

“The company takes a long-term strategic view, and they can see that the hotel industry will rebound from its current setback.

“The appetite for leisure travel, in particular, is already growing again and fast.

“Working together with Castleforge’s diligent research team, I look forward to some really exciting projects across the UK and Europe as we begin to invest significantly in the sector.”

Brandon Hollihan, founding partner of Castleforge Partners, said: “We are thrilled to have Matt join us.

“We are focusing on a sector we believe will become increasingly attractive, guided by an expert in the field who shares our values. Matt is the perfect person to help our firm execute this strategy and grow our expertise.”

David Brocklehurst, FirmDecisions

David Brocklehurst has been appointed as chairman of FirmDecisions – the business he founded in 1997.

The appointment follows the recent appointment of Federica Bowman as CEO.

David founded FirmDecisions in 1997, pioneering an industry solution which now has global recognition within the marketing services sector, and in which the FirmDecisions brand is recognised as the clear market leader.

Nick Waters, global CEO of parent company Ebiquity, commented: “David’s appointment will enable FirmDecisions’ clients and the wider industry to further benefit from his extensive knowledge, experience, and client relationships.”

David said: “Since starting the business 23 years ago, FirmDecisions has grown to become a world leader.

“I am particularly proud of both our incredible talent base - today spread throughout 17 offices across 14 countries, and our fantastic local, regional, and global clients.

“I very much look forward to working closely with our new CEO, Federica Bowman and Ebiquity’s CEO, Nick Waters, in ensuring that we continue to expand the high level of specialist services we provide and meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners.”