Merkle Names Leader for Decisioning Practice

In Amsterdam, performance marketing agency Merkle has hired Stefan van der Wielen for a newly created role, Leading its EMEA Decisioning Practice.

Merkle is owned by Dentsu Aegis, and uses its experience of data, technology and analytics to uncover consumer insights and drive people-based marketing strategies. The firm is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and currently has 1,400 employees in EMEA, with fourteen offices across five countries.

Last summer, Merkle partnered with customer engagement software developer Pegasystems to launch a DMP solution helping marketers optimize ad spend, reduce attrition and increase revenues. Van der Wielen (pictured) has spent the last eight years at Pegasystems, most recently as Regional Delivery Director, responsible for leading a group of consultants across the EMEA and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In his new role, he is charged with leading the further expansion of the EMEA Pega alliance, and helping clients adopt and integrate Pega.

He will report to Sam Taverner, EVP Marketing Solutions EMEA, who comments: 'Stefan has a strong background in programme management and organisational change as well as second-to-none experience in developing tech capabilities and growing talent. This makes him well placed to lead and grow our Pega practice in EMEA, and I look forward to working with him at a pivotal time for Merkle'.

Web site: www.merkleinc.com .