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, AMP™ Technology Solutions
Andrew Q. Kraft leads business development and support for AMP™, Collective Media’s ad network management and monetization platform. AMP™ allows publishers to create their own custom vertical ad networks or to better manage their owned and operated network of sites. Advertisers and agencies can utilize AMP™ to take full control of their cross-site and cross-network media spends. Kraft works closely with both advertisers and publishers to ensure their advertising needs are met through AMP™.
With more than 12 years of experience in the interactive sector, Kraft joined Collective Media from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) where he served as Vice President Member Services and Revenue Development for two years. In 2002, he founded Executivity, a digital marketing and management consulting firm specializing in revenue development strategies. Kraft has also held positions at VNU Expositions, Group Show Director, Digital Media Group; 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).
Veronica Mathieson, Vice President, Marketing
Veronica is responsible spearheading Collective Media's marketing and public relations efforts, strengthening Collective's leadership and brand awareness in the online advertising marketplace.
Veronica has more than 16 years of experience in the marketing communications and public relations fields developing, managing and executing strategic programs. Most recently, Veronica served as Vice President of Marketing at Undertone Networks building the integrated messaging and marketing program that lead to the company’s rapid acceptance and perception of leadership in the marketplace.
Previously, Veronica directed marketing communications and public relations for Motorola's Multi-Service Networks Division which was spun out creating Vanguard Managed Solutions. In that role, she developed and managed the global execution of the Vanguard Managed Solutions' award-winning branding and marketing communications strategy.
Over the years, she has managed partner marketing relationships with leading technology companies including Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Cisco, AT&T, and Lucent. Veronica has also held senior-level marketing positions at UniPress Software, Magic Solutions, Inc., and Seagate Software, Inc.
Veronica holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Georgian Court University.
Lee Levitan, Vice President, Finance & Operations
Lee is responsible for overseeing overall financial performance and strategic operations. Lee was previously at Media Contacts, the global interactive network of HAVAS Digital – the interactive division of HAVAS Media. His experience at Media Contacts included various corporate finance roles on the North American interactive business. Most recently, he was Media Contacts vice president, global controller where he was Responsible for monthly financial reporting, planning and analysis Media Contacts’ Global Interactive business units – Europe, North & South America and Asia Pacific as well as its’ Global Technology budget.
Lee also held roles as a Senior Auditor at Berdon, LLP and Controller of Titan Worldwide, a $500M privately held global out-door media business.
Lee is a CPA and graduated with a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s school of business.Back to Top