Lightspeed Promotes De Koning for New EMEA Role

In London, WPP digital data collection arm Lightspeed has promoted Leon De Koning to the newly created role of VP, Client Sales EMEA, overseeing strategic account planning and client services, and expanding the business development team. He will also oversee three new EMEA vertical divisions.

De Koning (pictured) joined the firm in 2006 from MR software and predictive analytics giant SPSS, where he worked for a decade. Towards the end of this he was Sales Manager SPSS Market Research and set up the Dutch and Swedish offices. Most recently, he was Lightspeed's MD, Northern Central and Eastern Europe, and MD of Northern Europe. In his new role, De Koning reports to Global CEO Caroline Frankum who comments: 'Leon has been at the heart and soul of Lightspeed for the past eleven years. As a true ambassador for embracing challenges, his depth of sales, business development and marketing experience will enable Lightspeed to effectively grow and penetrate new markets'.

He will now oversee three new EMEA vertical divisions, led by Matt Shepherd, in charge of the Media Client team; Claudia Doeland, leading the Enterprise vertical; and Andreas Wittenberg, who will focus on supporting the Market Research Agency arm. Commenting on the line-up, De Koning said: 'The commitment from this experienced team combined with their strong business acumen will serve our clients extremely well. Their relentless entrepreneurial drive will enhance our already successful initiatives and provide a common strategic direction'.

Web site: www.lightspeedresearch.com .