The mobile marketing industry is ever-changing, and that applies to the people as much as the technology. Movers & Shakers is a regular feature following the hottest hires in the industry, so you can keep track of whos joined which company, and what theyre doing there.

Alex Rahaman Joins NEXD as CEO
Former CEO and co-founder of StrikeAd Alex Rahaman is joining technology firmNEXD as its new CEO, as the company relocates its headquarters to London. Formerly based in Tallinn, the firm is looking to scale its light content delivery technology up and reach new audiences.

“I am very excited to be working alongside a team with a unique mix of creative and technological expertise,” said Rahaman. “To join at this pivotal point, as we grow from a regional to a global player is a challenge I am very much looking forward to.”

Rahaman has over a decade of digital leadership experience. StrikeAd was one of the first mobile demand-side platforms established back in 2010, and was sold to Sizmek in 2015. Prior to StrikeAd, he led the 2009 sale of ad network Unanimis to France Telecom, taking on responsibility for the Orange mobile ad business, and also led the spinout and Series A funding for OpenX.

“Alex’s leadership faculties and deep understanding of our industry and products are what we need to grow NEXD into the technology powerhouse we want it to be,” said Rain Pikand, founder and general manager of NEXD. “Alex brings the kind of experience and insights NEXD needs.”

MediaLink Brings in Veteran Chief Marketing Officer
Dana Anderson has been named as the new chief marketing officer at strategic development and business advisory firm MediaLink, having just left the same position at Mondel?z International. Anderson will be based in the company’s Chicago office, and will report to chairman-CEO Michael Kassan.

The appointment comes a week after MediaLink announced it was opening a new office in London, set to be led by vice chairwoman Wenda Harris Millard. MediaLink was acquired by Ascential, the parent company of Cannes Lions, in February for $207m (£160m). Prior to her position at Mondel?z, Anderson held roles at Kraft and DDB Chicago.

“With the marketplace we’re in right now there’s never been a time I can think of that’s been better or stronger to have someone like Dana’s background,” said Kassan. “What Dana will bring above all is that client-side, agency-side leadership and a real global view.”

Criteo Names New Managing Director for UK and Northern Europe
Performance marketing technology company Criteo has announced John Gillan as its new managing director, UK and Northern Europe. Gillan will oversee the UK rollout of Criteo’s Predictive Search platform, which offers an automated, end-to-end search solution based on machine learning to improve Google Shopping.

“The world of eCommerce is now more competitive than ever,” said Gillan. “Shoppers are never more than a click away from buying on a competitors’ site; some consumers are driven by cost, others by convenience. I’m very excited to be joining a company that is so well placed to help retailers and brands succeed in this highly volatile and every changing landscape.”

Prior to joining Criteo, Gillan was industry leader for the retail sector at Google UK, where he led and developed a team dedicated to driving eCommerce sales and online brand building for Google customers. He will use his in-depth market knowledge to help brands and retailers drive sales and improve conversion rates in Northern Europe, as well as growing Criteo’s business in the area.

Hayley Lawrence Comes Aboard Brand & Deliver as MD
Creative marketing agency Brand & Deliver has promoted current board member and director of events Hayley Lawrence to managing director at the firm, taking over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company from founder Ben Gallop, who will remain in position at CEO.

Lawrence joined Brand & Deliver in 2010 as an account director before being promoted to director of events and joining the board in 2015. She has played a leading role in growing the agency, increasing turnover by 65 per cent in the last 12 months and securing contracts with high value clients.

“From my early days as a freelance production manager when B&D were my client, to an incredible seven years working my way through the ranks, B&D has been in my blood for a long time,” said Lawrence. “I love the agency, from the creativity of its staff to its inspirational leadership and I’m honoured to be working alongside Ben to steer us through this next phase of growth.”

T3 Expands Client Services Leadership Team
Innovation agency T3 has revealed two new hires for its client services leadership team in the form of Todd Ruff, vice president of client engagement, and Jayson Truttman, vice president of marketing and business development. Ruff will focus on current clients, while Truttmann will work with the executive team to evolve the company’s product and service offerings.

Ruff boasts experience at Dell and agencies including Leo Burnett, Y&R, Razorfish and Contravent, all of which will prove integral to leading T3’s portfolio of clients. Truttman joins from SapientRazorfish, where he led the business development enterprise for the Central Region, and previously held senior roles with IPG, TBWA and Publicis Groupe.

“We are positioning our management for growth from both existing and new clients,” said Ben Gaddis, president of T3. “With Jayson and Todd, we have proven leaders who excel at elevating our work and our client relationships.”