Blyk hires Bennett to lead commercial effort

by Isabella Piasecka Media Week 08-May-08, 15:47

LONDON - Blyk, the ad-funded mobile phone network aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds, has appointed Christopher Bennett as commercial director.

Bennett will oversee the network's advertising strategy and revenue targets, reporting to UK chief executive Shaun Gregory. He will also manage all areas linked to attracting and retaining advertisers in the UK, including creative, support, trade marketing and general communication to the media sector.

Last month, Blyk said it hit its UK target of attracting 100,000 users half a year ahead of schedule. Blyk was launched in the UK just eight months ago and is aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds. It gives its users free texts and phone minutes every month, equating to around £280 a year in savings. In return, customers must receive up to six advertising messages per day.

Before joining Blyk, Bennett spent 10 months working with the digital operation at Starcom MediaVest Group. Before that, he was at Google UK, in charge of building relationships with entertainment and media companies, through paid search and online display marketing.

Blyk went live in the UK in September 2007 and has just announced plans to expand in the Netherlands.