Member Article

Ex-Dentsu Aegis chief joins AI marketing firm Third Foundation

Third Foundation – a tech start-up empowering modern marketers to effectively utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) – has welcomed another senior appointment to the board as the business continues to expand.

Kevin Cunningham joins the Leeds firm – which was established in the summer of 2019 – as chief commercial officer. His arrival signals further growth of Third Foundation’s leadership team following the recruitment of chief operating officer Shirelle Grant in March 2020.

Previously a managing partner with Dentsu Aegis Leeds – where he ran the global network’s Yorkshire operation – Kevin’s experience spans several senior positions including establishing a successful dotcom enterprise and a commercial director for BT. More recently, he was managing director for regional firms iProspect and Carat.

Bringing vital strategic nous and vast business and commercial experience in digital marketing and communications technology to the expanding tech firm, Kevin will be a key player in delivering sustainable and profitable year-on-year growth.

His responsibilities further include guiding clients through their online journey – covering where they are now to a future of AI being deeply embedded in their marketing function. Kevin is also focused on developing fresh opportunities and building on the team’s strong company culture.

He said: “There was no hesitation in joining Third Foundation. Its management team and engaged workforce is already incredibly strong, and it feels like a business for the new age. The team has a truly collaborative and forward-thinking approach towards driving AI transformation for the marketing community.”

On Third Foundation’s commitment to delivering AI for modern marketers, Kevin said: “There are still some barriers in businesses when it comes to the adoption of AI – especially around fear, skill shortages and perceived investment levels. We want to remove these barriers.

“There is already a compelling case that businesses who are embracing AI are winning in their sectors, in particular in marketing. It’s about making those benefits tangible and our proprietary technology accessible to all businesses, not just the few, via a brilliant team of people.”

He continued: “Now’s the time to enable marketers the time to think about important factors that are driving business growth. By plugging in smart technology which can manage laborious tasks accurately, marketing departments can focus on helping their organisations to make crucial business decisions that positively impact the bottom line.”

Speaking about Kevin’s appointment, Michael said: “We identified Kevin some time ago as having the right credentials for our management team. He’s someone who will add tremendous value because he shares our beliefs and is inspired to create a new culture of thought, and drive change.”

He added: “The journey towards our mission – to create ‘time to think’ – is only just beginning and having the right people at the heart of our organisation, with AI as an enabler, will continue to be a key driver of our growth.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .