Search Optics Announces New Suite of Senior Executives as Part of 2016 Global Growth Strategy

Five Key Hires in U.S., EMEA and APAC Regions Aim To Provide Top-Notch Digital Marketing Technology and Service to Global Clients
SAN DIEGO, Calif., June 14, 2016 – Search Optics®, a leading global digital marketing provider with specialised expertise in the automotive industry, recently hired five highly accomplished executives who will be instrumental to the company's continued international expansion and commitment to improving client service. These new hires include: Guy Barron, senior vice president, global human resources, Amanda Frank, vice president, brand marketing, Xavier Montibert, vice president, business development EMEA, Mark Vitorovic, vice president, business development EMEA and Tom Wright, managing director APAC.

“Search Optics pursues the highest quality talent at the local level, with an awareness of cultural distinctions in each new country we enter. We are committed to providing best-in-class technology in combination with real people to drive meaningful and superior results," said David Ponn, CEO of Search Optics. “Guy, Amanda, Xavier, Mark and Tom are outstanding examples of the kind of talent and dedication that will help our clients achieve their business goals, while better enabling Search Optics to expand into new regions.”

With more than 80 combined years of relevant industry experience, these key hires represent Search Optics’ significant commitment to providing its unique mobile-first philosophy and industry-leading service to clients across the globe. As more customers shift their shopping journey to mobile, implementing a mobile-first philosophy is critical for dealerships looking to increase leads and pull through sales across all channels.

With more than 1,100 Google-certified staff – the most in its industry – Search Optics won the Google Mobile Champion Award in North America in 2015, proving its extensive expertise and capability for providing tangible results through practical tactics that bring in fresh sales leads. Bringing a wealth of automotive digital marketing experience, this new talent at Search Optics will be looking to push for relevant strategies and tactics that improve sales for dealerships while growing Search Optics’ digital marketing business in an ever-changing, technological world.
About Guy Barron, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources

Guy Barron is an accomplished executive leader in the Human Resources (HR) field with over 20 years of HR expertise across multiple industries. Most recently, Mr. Barron served as vice president, human resources at ABM Industries, a leading Facility Solutions provider with over $5B in revenue and 120,000 employees around the globe. Mr. Barron will play a critical role in helping drive international HR strategy, while supporting organisational development and change management initiatives as Search Optics continues to accelerate its overall growth.

About Amanda Frank, Vice President, Brand Marketing

Amanda Frank brings 12 years of global marketing and branding experience from multiple industry leaders, including FTD Companies, GreatCall Inc. and Gap Inc. Ms. Frank played a critical role in several brand transformations. While at GreatCall, she developed and managed the media and analytics teams responsible for marketing campaigns, including direct response, retail and digital. Ms. Frank will be responsible for the marketing strategy and planning as Search Optics continues its global expansion.

About Xavier Montibert, Vice President, Business Development EMEA

Xavier Montibert is an influential driver of change in the industrial and automotive sectors, developing strong relationships with leading OEM’s and bringing innovations in products and services to the global marketplace. Past experience includes companies such as Entercoms, Chargemaster, ADM Concept and MAGNA International. While working for one of the leading tier 1 suppliers in the Automotive industry, Mr. Montibert tripled the size of the Western European facility and opened an Eastern European manufacturing plant. Fascinated by the impact and potential of digital, he made the leap into big data, allowing him to harness his expertise and industry experience to use smart analytics in order to drive better solutions for his customers.

About Mark Vitorovic, Vice President, Business Development EMEA

Mark Vitorovic brings more than 20 years of experience in the digital industry to Search Optics. He specialises in opening new markets and growing businesses through direct and indirect channels. Mr. Vitorovic has held senior positions with several industry leaders including: Microsoft, CompuServe/AOL, CNET and Kewego. Most recently with Avaya Global Services (ACS) where he was responsible for building and managing the Global Offer & Services Channel Enablement teams, driving quality and double-digit growth in regional renewal sales. In his new role, Mr. Vitorovic will focus on leading Search Optics’ growth in the German market and developing strategic partnerships across EMEA.

About Tom Wright, Managing Director APAC

Tom Wright is a highly successful and seasoned digital leader, holding numerous challenging roles in more than a dozen countries throughout EMEA & APAC over his career. Mr. Wright has more than a decade of experience helping blue chip organisations create and deliver new digital strategies while driving change and transformation. With a successful track record creating award-winning teams that exceed expectations in advertising, application development and business transformation, Mr. Wright is known as a hands-on leader who drives from the front. Mr. Wright has had the opportunity to provide solutions to many tier 1 automotive OEMs including; Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, and Volkswagen. Based in Sydney, Mr. Wright will be instrumental to the growth and expansion at Search Optics as he leads the APAC team.

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