Merkle, a leading technology-enabled, data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company and part of dentsu, has appointed Mark Atkinson to the position of VP Adobe EMEA alliance & enterprise sales lead for Merkle and dentsu’s CXM Service Line, with a focus on the commercial and go-to-market strategies across EMEA.

In this newly created role, Atkinson will support brands looking to increase their technology investments due to the accelerated need to modernise solutions to meet changing customer expectations. Both Atkinson’s prior experience and existing relationships will enable him to drive invaluable partnership strategies and propositions in the market as a trusted partner to both Adobe and Merkle’s client base.

In his new role, Atkinson will strengthen and drive the mutual business strategy with Adobe across EMEA, whilst helping clients achieve value from their technology investments. The role brings vital expertise and a deeper focus on Merkle’s growing partnership with Adobe in the region, helping clients deliver a seamless customer experience across every touchpoint.

Merkle is one of Adobe’s leading partners globally, with over 1,000 Adobe experts. Merkle holds longstanding expertise across the entire Adobe Experience Cloud and was one of the first to be accredited on the Adobe Experience Platform.

Mark Atkinson

Atkinson moves to Merkle from his previous role as UK head of platform & specialist sales at Adobe, bringing with him a powerful network and expertise across all of the major CX, content, commerce, B2B and platform solutions. After more than seven years in software sales at Adobe, engaging with major brands across a range of industries, Atkinson formed part of the UK leadership team tasked with driving value from the specialist sales organisation and a strong focus on employee engagement, sales execution and personal development. Most recently, assuming responsibility for the UK sales and go-to-market strategy for Adobe’s Experience Platform bringing the reality of real-time, omni-channel customer experiences to the market.

Nick McCarthy, SVP, EMEA alliances director Merkle EMEA and dentsu CXM Service Line, EMEA said: “Adobe is a key partner for Merkle and our clients in delivering customer experience transformation programmes. Mark’s expertise in major client solutions built leveraging the Adobe technology, along with the network he brings with him, will drive even greater success in our partnership across the region.”

Mark Atkinson, VP, Adobe EMEA alliance & enterprise sales, commented: “CX transformation continues to be at the forefront of customer growth strategies, and combining Adobe’s market-leading CX technology, with Merkle’s proven experience in rapidly driving value-based customer outcomes and sustainable returns from technology investment is a proposition un-matched in the EMEA market.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join an exceptional team at Merkle, building on the solid foundations already in place. It was clear through the joining process that Merkle’s focus on growth, DEI, career development and a strong team culture was going to provide the basis of a great place to work.”