Merkle Hires Media Sector Specialist

In the US, data-driven CRM agency Merkle has appointed media exec Dan Schmerzler as Vice President, Client Partner in its Travel, Media and Entertainment practice, where he will focus on clients across the media industry.

Schmerzler (pictured) joins from digital agency Primacy, where he served as EVP for Marketing Solutions. Prior to this he was VP, Affiliate Marketing at ESPN, where he developed strategies to drive the distribution of products and services across cable, telco, satellite and emerging platforms, and built on the brand and consumer affinity for ESPN's family of companies, including Disney and ABC. Earlier, he held leadership roles at The Hartford Insurance Group, Wells Fargo, Modem Media, Nickelodeon, and Showtime Networks. He began his career with Viacom Networks, NBC and Benchmark Communications.

In his new role, Schmerzler will help to drive business growth and promote customer engagement across digital and off-line media and channels.

Andrew Hoeberichts, SVP, Travel, Media and Entertainment practice, says of the appointment: 'Dan is a seasoned marketing executive with deep expertise, having worked with industry-leading entertainment, media and financial services companies. With his track record of success as a client partner, he will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our footprint in the media industry'.

Web site: www.merkle.com .