Horizon Media Bolsters its Invention Practice with Two New Hires

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Media, the largest and fastest growing privately-held media services agency in the world, announced today that it has hired Devin McGrath and Jeremy Shure as Directors of Invention to enhance, institutionalize and place invention at the heart of the agency. Shure and McGrath will report to Taylor Valentine, Chief Invention Officer at Horizon Media.

Horizon Media is heavily invested in invention, and the agency has an unwavering belief that the world of media is ready for big changes. McGrath and Shure will be responsible for leading the 'Horizon incubator' start up mentorship program and spearheading various other invention initiatives throughout the agency, such as Horizon's Dunes of Dreams venture capital program and related invention education programs. Additionally, McGrath and Shure will contribute to various business development initiatives and opportunities.        

"I'm thrilled to join Horizon because of its incredible entrepreneurial spirit," said Jeremy Shure, Director of Invention at Horizon Media. "Horizon is filled with extraordinary people with extremely creative minds, and it's a tremendous opportunity to invent across the agency with a talented pool of employees. The most exciting part of this job is being presented with an unlimited opportunity to create a legacy in a special organization."

Jeremy Shure has a diverse background in entrepreneurship, venture capital, law, and business. Prior to joining Horizon, he was a founder of the Emerging Companies Practice Group at Akerman LLP, a national law firm, and worked at a financial technology start-up as Head of Investor Relations and General Counsel.  Shure graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University School of Law, and completed continuing education coursework focused on finance at Columbia University. He is the President of the Class of 2000 for the University of Pennsylvania and a national Techstars mentor. He is a member of the National Board of Directors of Active Minds, and past President of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Young Leadership division. Shure's perspective on entrepreneurship is frequently published, as he has spent years as a blogger for The Huffington Post and has had a column for Inc.com. 

"I couldn't be more excited to work in Horizon's invention team," said Devin McGrath, Director of Invention, Horizon Media. "I'm committed to seeking out new and exciting challenges within organizations, and my role at Horizon allows me to do just that as I explore ways to drive invention into every corner of the agency."

Devin McGrath has over a decade of experience working across growing organizations through direct sales, business development partnerships and new market entry across a wide array of industries including financial services, consulting, marketing and advertising, education, international business, international development and retail. His work has spanned multiple geographies in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. McGrath graduated from Bentley University with a B.S in Business Management and holds an M.B.A in International Business and Entrepreneurship from UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is also NYC Chapter President of UCLA Anderson and board member of Friends of Island Academy.

"So many good, well intentioned plans fail in the operationalization stage. It's our job to make sure they succeed, and to make sure every employee has the opportunity to invent," said Taylor Valentine, Chief Invention Officer at Horizon Media. "Devin and Jeremy will help us to further promote new ways of thinking in order to realize invention. They are both incredibly talented, have proven track records of entrepreneurialism, and live and breathe invention. I couldn't be happier to have them on board."

Horizon's invention group, helmed by Chief Invention Officer Taylor Valentine, launched in 2014 and acts as a launch pad to drive invention across all facets of the agency and increase agency value. The invention team is responsible for pioneering product development and new forms of media, formulating better ways to solve client problems, and seeking new ways to recruit and motivate employees, among other activities. 

About Horizon Media
Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest and fastest growing privately held media services agency in the world. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York and has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chicago. Horizon Media was chosen as 2011 Independent Media Agency of the Year by Mediapost, 2010 U.S. Media Agency of the Year by Adweek, Brandweek, and Mediaweek as well as by Ad Age and as one of the world's ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company in 2011. In 2012, Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder, was honored by Advertising Age as Industry Executive of the Year. Most recently, in 2014, Bill Koenigsberg was named 4As Chair of the Board and is the first person from a media agency to hold this prestigious position in the 100 year history of the 4As, the marketing industry's leading trade association.

The company's mission is "To create the most meaningful brand connections within the lives of people everywhere." By delivering on this mission through a holistic approach to brand marketing, Horizon Media has become one of the largest and fastest-growing media agencies in the industry, with estimated billings of over $6.3 billion and over 1,200 employees.

The company is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, please visit horizonmedia.com.

Contact

Horizon Media
Kaya Lobaczewski
(212) 220-2102 
[email protected]

SOURCE Horizon Media, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.horizonmedia.com