Collective Media
Our Team
Joe Apprendi, Chief Executive Officer
Joe brings 12+ years in founding, board and executive management experience as the visionary behind Collective Media. As an online marketing pioneer, Joe's strategic insight from the media operations, ad technology and sales/marketing arena are the driving force behind what makes Collective unique.
An impressive background in high level management with K2 Digital, CLIQNOW! Sales Group, 24/7 Media, Eyeblaster, Klipmart and most recently Falk eSolutions, has helped build the industry and given Joe the vast knowledge and expertise to bring the best aspects and resources the industry has to offer.
At Falk eSolutions, Mr. Apprendi was CEO of Falk North America, leading sales and operations for its top ad-serving platform, Falk AdSolution.
While at Eyeblaster, he was Executive Vice President, responsible for global sales and marketing. Under his leadership, Eyeblaster became the #1 rich media technology provider as measured by Nielsen NetRatings AdRelevance, with over 400 agency and 500 publisher customers worldwide.
During his time at 24/7 Media, Mr. Apprendi held the position of Senior Vice President, North American Sales Operations, including 24/7 Mail, 24/7 Network, and 24/7 Media Canada. He set and managed sales operating budgets for multiple product lines including Online Media, Email, Promotions, Loyalty Programs, and Wireless Advertising.
Jerome FitzGibbons, Executive Vice President
Jerome's 11 years of online advertising experience have made him a pre-eminent industry expert on audience development. Under his keen direction, Collective Media is able to deliver mass reach and relevancy for advertisers via audience targeting technology, including behavior and context segmentation.
As Vice President, Audience Development for Forbes.com — Jerome enhanced and developed numerous business relationships and increased audience reach.
Prior to that, he served at 24/7 as Vice President, Business Development - portfolio and network advertising sales, handling all functions related to online ad sales representation and publisher relations.
Other sales and management posts include Vivendi/Universal - GetMusic.com, Reuters PLC and Dun and Bradstreet, Inc
Chris Putnam, Chief Technology Officer
As a sought after software developer and manager, Chris leads all of Collective Media's product development efforts including ad delivery, targeting, optimization, and reporting. Chris also manages all new product innovation and technology partnerships for the Company, including DoubleClick and Personifi, ensuring Collective's leadership in new features and overall network reliability for our publisher, agency, and marketer customers.
Chris brings over 15 years of software engineering and management experience to Collective, which includes a decade of Internet application and infrastructure development for companies including Bankers Trust, Comet Systems (VP Engineering), MCEnergy (CTO) and Associated Press.
Andrew Q. Kraft, General Manager, Publisher Solutions
As General Manager, Technology Solutions, Andrew Q. Kraft leads all aspects of Collective Media’s AMP(TM), an ad network management and monetization platform including project strategy, product management, support and sales in helping online publishers create vertical ad networks utilizing the AMP platform.
With more than 12 successful years of experience in the interactive sector, Kraft joins Collective Media from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) where he served as vice president member services and revenue development for the past two years. There, Kraft worked with the top executives at the world’s largest publishers and ad networks.
Prior to IAB, Kraft held the position of Group Show Director, Digital Media Group at VNU Expositions where he was responsible for the concept and launch of the Digital Marketing Conference & Expo show.
In 2002, he founded Executivity, a digital marketing and management consulting firm specializing in revenue development strategies. Kraft has also held positions at Basex, Inc, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing; Association of Internet Professionals, Executive Director; and Sapient Corporation, Manager, New Media Group.
Kraft attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Chip Russo, Vice President, West Coast Sales
Chip is responsible for sales and client service activities on behalf of Collective’s agency and advertiser customers on the west coast. Additionally, Mr. Russo oversees strategic accounts in several key industry verticals including entertainment, automotive and technology. Chip has more than 8 years experience in leading online media and technology companies. Before joining Collective Media, he was Regional Vice President, Sales at Pointroll (Los Angeles, CA) where he managed a team of 35 sales, client service and administrative personnel. Prior to Pointroll, Chip was Director of Sales, Western Region for Eyeblaster and held senior sales positions at Classified Ventures and Turner Broadcasting.
Todd Benedict, Vice President, East Coast Sales
Todd is responsible for sales and client service activities on behalf of Collective's agency and advertiser customers on the east coast. Additionally, Mr. Benedict oversees strategic accounts in several key industry verticals including financial services and travel. Mr. Benedict has more than 8 years experience with online media companies. Before joining Collective Media, he helped launch ForbesTraveler.com where he oversaw national sales. Prior to ForbesTraveler, Todd held senior sales positions at Forbes.com, TheStreet.com and WSJ.com (Dow Jones Online).