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Acquirz, an award-winning B2B data solutions and email marketing agency, has appointed Kevin Smith as head of data and AI, and Kelly Merchant as campaign manager.
The new hires continue a period of growth and recruitment for the agency, following its recent acquisition of Marketscan, a UK-based organisation with more than 40 years delivering full-service data led marketing.
Based in the company’s Cheltenham office, Smith joins Acquirz with over two decades of experience across data, analytics, and technology leadership, including overseeing global teams and delivering enterprise-scale data solutions.
Since starting out as an apprentice database consultant in 1999, Smith has built wide-ranging expertise across data and technology, from strategy and architecture through to AI machine learning integration, data engineering, analytics, governance and insight delivery.
Applying this expertise at Acquirz, Smith will further embed AI-driven insights across operations to accelerate commercial growth while benefiting clients from smarter customer targeting, data enrichment, and process automation.
Smith said: “Acquirz has built an impressive reputation for delivering award-winning services. From its data solutions and creative campaigns to its managed services, it’s a brand particularly well recognised for its breadth and accuracy of data.
“I’m looking forward to building on this success and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – for the team, business and customers.”
Smith is joined by campaign manager, Kelly Merchant who brings almost a decade of experience in customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing.
Skilled in building and optimising automated customer journeys, Kelly develops personalised content, data-driven segmentation and lifecycle marketing strategies. She has worked across a range of industries, from financial services to retail, optimising performance and generating measurable results.
Merchant added: “I’m delighted to be working closely with Acquirz’s diverse client base. What attracted me most to the role is the opportunity to combine creativity with data and being in an environment that encourages new ideas and strategies. I’ve already learnt a lot from the team, and I can’t wait to see what more there is to come.”
Chris Skinner, director and co-founder at Acquirz, said: “Since launching the business in 2019, we’ve focused on delivering innovative, award-winning solutions, whether that’s B2B data, customer acquisition, managed email marketing or more bespoke support.
“That delivery is driven by the strength of our team, and we’re delighted to welcome Kevin and Kelly at a pivotal time for the business. Following our recent acquisition of Marketscan, and with strong growth and an exciting product pipeline their expertise will play a key role in helping scale and drive the business forward.”
This press release was sent to The Raikes Journal by Headon PR on 6 May 2025.
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