NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 28, 2014) - iCrossing , a global digital marketing agency, named Brian Haven chief strategy officer. In this role, he will lead the agency's corporate strategy as well as its strategy practice, which includes planning, research, social media and community management offerings. Based in San Francisco, he will report directly to Brian Powley , global president of iCrossing.
In partnership with iCrossing's executive team, Haven will consult CMOs on business and marketing solutions to drive their brands forward. Recognized as one of the industry's top design thinkers, he brings a human-centered approach and broad strategy experience working with both global brands and technology start-ups to the position. Throughout his career, which includes a previous stint at iCrossing as vice president of strategy (2009 - 2012), Haven has consulted clients across the automotive, financial services, high-tech and retail categories, including Adobe, Best Buy, Fidelity, Honda and Hilton. Previously, he was a senior analyst at Forrester Research (2005 - 2008), helping clients navigate social media and emerging channels. His research on digital agencies, emerging technologies, and customer engagement helped marketers navigate the new landscape where people, not brands, are in control.
Haven is returning to the agency after two years working at tech startups in Silicon Valley, where he co-founded Zetitit, a social media and content analysis tool, and Spendship, a mobile affiliate and advocacy service platform. Most recently, Haven served as the chief marketing officer at Spendship, which was recently acquired by Moontoast.
"Brian is a big, bold, thinker who will lead teams to deliver insight-driven, audience-based digital strategies to create market leadership for our clients," said Powley. "His breadth of experience as an industry analyst, agency leader and successful entrepreneur makes him the right strategy chief to take our offering and agency to the next level."
Haven replaces Adam Lavelle, who departed iCrossing earlier this summer after eight years with the agency.
"Adam was an instrumental part of iCrossing's evolution from a search to full-service digital agency," said Powley. "He will always be part of the agency's legacy."
A recognized thought leader in the industry, Haven will represent iCrossing as a judge at the Digiday Startup Challenge on August 13-15, in Half Moon Bay, CA. During the Challenge, iCrossing client Hilton Worldwide and a panel of judges will select an up-and-coming startup that can best enhance the Hilton customer journey through digital innovation.
Haven graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a master's of design degree in interaction design. He also holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Fresno State University.
About iCrossing iCrossing, recently named a "Leader" in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for global digital marketing agencies, builds connected brands for some of the world's most recognized companies including Beam Suntory, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company and LG Electronics. The agency combines its expertise in media, creative and analytics to create moments that build close relationships between brands and their customers in real time. iCrossing, a unit of Hearst Corporation, is headquartered in New York and has 900 employees in 17 offices globally. For more information, visit www.icrossing.com or its social spaces .
More information: Katie Lamkin Email Contact (312) 277-4487 @ktlamkin
