Brandwatch Scoops Up Key Talent in Apple-Topsy Aftermath

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — It’s barely been a month since it was sensationally revealed that Apple had acquired social media data analytics firm Topsy Labs, and questions remain about exactly what plans Apple has for its new acquisition.

But while the dust is still settling, opportunities are being snapped up as Brandwatch, an increasingly ambitious player in the social analytics space, has announced it’s hiring a chunk of Topsy’s commercial talent.

Former Topsy executives Even Walser and Aaron Hayes-Roth lead the exodus to Brandwatch as VP, Enterprise Sales and VP, Strategic Alliances, respectively. Their first task? Setting up in central San Francisco and building a team.

Brandwatch plans to aggressively hire in the area in a bid to secure the firm’s presence in what is undoubtedly the most important place for social data, joining data providers like Google, Facebook and Twitter in Silicon Valley.

The move consolidates the British company’s US credentials after it opened a Chicago office last year, adding to its North American HQ located in New York.

“As a global technology company, establishing ourselves on the West Coast has long been a priority for us. Apple has presented us with a huge opportunity here, and we’re certainly going to make the most of it,” revealed Giles Palmer, CEO at Brandwatch. “Ensuring we’re close to the epicenter of the social media ecosystem will help us to provide our clients with the most relevant, accurate data available.”

New VP, Enterprise Sales Even Walser commented, “In Brandwatch, I have found a company that mirrors Topsy’s capabilities and dedication to superior usability through the marriage of technology and design. I am very excited by the opportunity to build a strong presence here in San Francisco.”

While the space continues to churn with activity, this not only sheds some light on the future of Topsy, but cements Brandwatch’s ambitions in what some consider to be an already overcrowded space and appears to be a serious statement of intent for the highly-regarded vendor.

The technology provider is expanding thanks to another year of record revenue, posting an average of 106% year-on-year growth for the past 5 years and showing no sign of slowing down, as well as boosting its headcount to over 160 staff.

About Brandwatch

Brandwatch is one of the world’s leading social media monitoring platforms. It harvests millions of online conversations every day and provides clients with the tools to analyze them, enabling brands and agencies to make smarter, data-driven business decisions.

The company has won awards for its technology and renowned corporate culture, and regularly wins accolades for its impressive growth. The Brandwatch platform is used by over 900 brands and agencies, including organizations such as Dell, PepsiCo, Whirlpool, Kellogg’s and Digitas.

www.brandwatch.com | @Brandwatch | press office | contact

Brandwatch Media Contact:
Drew Darnbrough
[email protected]
(347) 982-0468

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(Image title: “The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA at Sunset”, © Rich Niewiroski Jr. 2007)