Yahoo’s European Search Director Joins TH_NK

One of the UK’s fastest growing web design & brand technology companies has ended an 18-month search for its new Client Services Director with the appointment of Yahoo’s Search Marketing European Business Development Director.

Stuart McGregor (41), who’s impressive CV also boasts Senior Business Development Partner Manager at MSN and UK IT Delivery Service Manager for KPMG has joined North East award-winning digital agency TH_NK as the company continues to expand into new markets.

While at Yahoo, working across different channels from shopping to travel, McGregor was responsible for managing all aspects of the relationship between Overture and Yahoo from increasing the listings of sponsored search within the Yahoo channels to internally lobbying for new search products for Yahoo’s European markets.

Before Yahoo McGregor held several roles during his five years at MSN, firstly as Senior Operations Program Manager then Lead International Product Manager and finally as Senior Business Development Partner Manager. During his time he was pivotal in such product roll outs as MSN Mobile, MSN’s subscription based services & finally managing the relationship between MSN & Kelkoo for its E-commerce platform.

As part of TH_NK’s national expansion programme Stuart comes in with a track record in all aspects of online marketing from back end systems, user engagement, and content creation to driving forward the most innovative techniques in influencing search. Applying this wealth of expertise he will be heading up the company’s current client portfolio from its North East base including the NHS, Northern Rock, Grainger plc and ITV, while MD Tarek Nseir concentrates on building the company’s London operation.

“It was the entrepreneurial spirit of Tarek and ethos of TH_NK that instantly struck me when I first met with the team, and I knew straight away that this was the next challenge in my career. Tarek was looking for a business partner and so was I,” says Stuart. “The way the organisation is set up and its approach to work on a day-to-day basis; the passion of its staff, the fast-paced technology driven environment and the creative user centric process, really makes you feel more liberated to make things happen.”

The company, which specialises in brand technology and digital marketing disciplines such as online strategies, user centred design, site build, e-commerce, search marketing, tracking and measurement, has found it difficult to find the right candidate, something Managing Director Tarek Nseir is delighted to have resolved.

The appointment marks an important step in the business as it continues to gain wide-acclaim among the industry having picked up two awards last year and further new client wins.