Latitude Strengthens Management Team To Capitalise On Changing Landscape

PR Log (Press Release) – Jul 30, 2008 – Latitude Group, the UK’s largest independent Internet search marketing agency, today announces the appointment of Alex Hoye to the position of CEO. Hoye, co-founder and former CEO of B2B Internet auction company GoIndustry plc, will focus on a range of growth opportunities including partnerships with agencies, expansion of digital marketing offerings and expansion overseas to bring Latitude’s best-of-breed services to a wider audience.

The move follows the announcement last week of the appointment of Richard Firminger, ex-regional sales director, Yahoo!, who will act as a strategic advisor focused on product and sales innovation.

As a result of these additions, Dylan Thwaites, founder of Latitude, moves up into the role of Chairman. Thwaites comments: “My role at Latitude up till now has been to identify and leverage opportunities in the search arena to deliver the best ROI for our clients. Over the past year I have positioned the company so it’s on a robust financial footing, this includes our strategic investment last December. The time is ripe for a change, and with Alex now at the helm, the company is poised to capitalise on its expertise and position – ever more important in light of the current economic landscape.”

Hoye adds, “I’m delighted to bring my dual capabilities as both entrepreneur and operational champion to the Latitude Group. Latitude has a powerful brand and a sterling client list, and I am excited about the prospect of being able to add to and expand on both.”
Hoye brings to the job a wealth of experience in globalising a product offering and building the capabilities of a team. At GoIndustry he managed the growth of the B2B auction company across 15 countries and 12 languages and ultimately took it public. Since leaving there, he has been heavily involved in Internet businesses in Europe across the areas of search, advertising and marketplaces. He cut his teeth at management consultancy firm McKinsey & Co. and entertainment titan Disney, building analytical, restructuring, finance, and M&A skills during his tenure at both companies. Since 1997 he has worked out of the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Latin America, speaking the respective languages to varying degrees. He has a BA from Stanford and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He will operate out of both the London and Warrington offices.