AI agency start-up boosts senior team with Dentsu man

Kevin-Cunningham-CCO-Third-Foundation-701x660AI marketing start-up Third Foundation – launched in October by three former directors of Leeds-based agency Home – has appointed Dentsu Aegis managing partner Kevin Cunningham chief commercial officer as it continues to bolster its senior team.

Cunningham, who had been managing partner of the agency in the Yorkshire region since September 2016, joins the senior team of CTO Phillip Midwinter, CEO Michael Ward, director of media and adtech Paul Roberts and chief operating officer Shirelle Grant.

Prior to Dentsu Aegis, Cunningham held senior roles at the Leeds offices of iProspect and Carat. He also spent seven years at BT Directories.

At Third Foundation, Cunningham has been briefed to guide clients through their online journey, transforming their businesses to ensure AI is deeply embedded in their marketing function.

Cunningham insisted that 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.

Ward 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.

“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.”

Cunningham added: “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.

“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. Now’s the time to enable marketers the time to think about important factors that are driving business growth.”

Related stories
Moneycorp appoints Leeds start-up for AI data strategy
Why CMOs are putting their faith in digital and data
Martech spend tops $120bn but marketers crave more
AI comes to the rescue of gibberish advertising copy
Why artificial intelligence will not be taking your job
Marketers claim data deluge is wrecking the day job