LSA Hires Leader for New Strategy & Insights Arm

US industry body the Local Search Association (LSA) has appointed media analyst Greg Sterling as its first Vice President of Strategy & Insights, in charge of a new function designed to identify and analyse industry trends.

Michigan-based LSA, which has more than 300 members in 30 countries, offers services to promote the local search sector through thought-leadership, advocacy, research and insights, and partnerships. Sterling (pictured) joins in San Francisco from Opus Research's Internet2Go mobile tracking advisory service, where he served as a Senior Analyst. Prior to this, he led his own research and consulting firm Sterling Market Intelligence, which focused on the Internet's impact on off-line consumer behaviour. Earlier, he ran BIA/Kelsey's Interactive Local Media program, and worked as a Producer at TechTV, as an editorial team member at AllBusiness.com, and as an attorney.

In his new role, based in San Francisco, Sterling is tasked with further improving LSA's efforts to collect and consolidate insights on changes taking place across the sector. He will also advise existing and prospective members on ways to leverage LSA research, including data from its new 'Metrics that Matters' database.

LSA President Neg Norton comments: 'Greg Sterling is unmatched in his understanding of local advertising and media trends, and in driving our industry to lead by thinking bigger and doing more. HIs thought-leadership and strategy expertise, as well as his strong relationships throughout our industry, will greatly benefit our full spectrum of local advertising members.'

Web site: www.localsearchassociation.org .