Verve Hires Two from Vision Critical

UK-based Verve has appointed two former Vision Critical execs - Steevan Glover as Director of Commercial Development and Andrew Reid as Managing Director. Reid replaces Jeannie Arthur who is leaving to set up a new business.

Verve, which specialises in customer advisory panels and online brand communities, was established in 2008 by the founders of Research Now, Hall & Partners and the iD Factor - Andrew Cooper, Mike Hall and Jon Gumbrell, respectively.

Reid (who is no relation to Vision Critical's founders, father and son partnership Angus and Andrew Reid) joins from his previous role as MD of Group Corporate Development at the research and technology firm's office in Vancouver. Before this, he spent six years at GFK Custom Research, and worked for brand agency Imagination in London and Stockholm, Saatchi & Saatchi, and brand identity consultancy Siegel & Gale.

Arthur, who joined Verve in 2009 from her former role as FreshMinds COO/MD, will hand over her role to Reid when she leaves in May. However, she will continue to hold shares in the company.

Glover worked previously at Vision Critical in London, where he served as SVP for European Sales and Marketing. Before this, he served as Head of Creative and then Group Account Director for Archer Young Marketing.

Commenting on the appointments, CEO, Andrew Cooper states: 'We are very excited to have both Andrew and Steevan on board as we build on our success. Following the excitement of winning Best New Agency at the end of last year, 2011 has started very well and shows all the signs of being a fantastic year.'

Web site: www.addverve.com .