Couponstar Expands Sales Team

Stephen Gardner, formerly of Decanter, and Jiva Finn, formerly of Brand IQ, join the market leader for secure internet-printable coupon and voucher solutions

Couponstar, the UK’s leading provider of internet-printable coupon and voucher promotional marketing solutions, has bolstered its sales team with the appointment of two new members. Stephen Gardener and Jiva Finn will join as Sales Manager and Sales Executive respectively and have been hired to continue to expand the sales team in the face of growing client demand and strong year-on-year growth.

Stephen Gardener and Jiva Finn will be responsible for further growing Couponstar’s UK and European client base as FMCG brands and retailers, continuing to look to use internet-printable coupons within their online marketing activities as a fully accountable means of engaging consumers online but driving offline in-store sales.

Previously Business Development Director at Brand IQ, Finn brings with him more than ten years sales experience, involving roles where he was solely responsible for sales as well as having direct involvement in the design and development of online product. Gardner joins the team as the youngest member at 29, but has accumulated a great understanding of FMCG marketing and the retail trade. His fluency in Spanish and French will greatly assist him as Couponstar continues to expand into European markets. They have both worked in many commercial positions across a host of leading companies, such as EMAP Information and ABC Commerce.

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen Gardner says, “This is an exciting time to be working at Couponstar – brands are increasingly realising the potential of printable coupons as a way of engaging with their core customers and Couponstar has a fantastic portfolio of solutions that enable clients to engage with their core audience online but drive an in-store response. Couponstar is acknowledged as pioneer and leader within the consumer-printable coupon market, and I am looking forward to developing new business opportunities and expanding the existing customer base.”

Jiva Quinn adds, ““With the current emphasis on integrated marketing campaigns and the growing need for accountability, printable-couponing solutions are increasingly becoming an essential element of brands marketing activities so it is an exciting time to be joining a company who are pioneering this space. I am also very pleased to be involved in the business at a time as they are expanding the European side of the business.

Oliver Felstead, European General Manager at Couponstar comments, “Jiva and Stephen’s expertise in the business development and online marketing is of considerable value in ensuring that Couponstar continues to be seen as the leader within the consumer-printable coupon sector. We are experiencing high demand for our printable-coupon solutions as leading brands move more of their marketing spend online but in-turn want see a measurable impact on sales. Both Jiva and Stephen will play an integral role in our continued business expansion. As we continue our development and set ambitious growth targets for 2008/9, it is important we have the sales resources in place to support our objectives.”