Mobile Interactive Group (MIG) has announced the appointments of Simon Guild, former President and CEO of MTV Networks Europe, Matt Cockett, former Head of Music at O2 and Paul Samuels, former Head of Sponsorship, as strategic advisors to build MIGs advisory team as the group prepares for continued expansion in 2008.
The group will advise on three core areas: Broadcast and Digital market; Music and Entertainment market; and the Digital Experiential market
Guild, with 14 years experience at MTV Networks Europe and having helped build MTV from a single brand channel in the mid 90s to a network of 75 channels and numerous, market-leading online and mobile businesses, has been brought on board to advise on the broadcast and digital markets. Guild is also Non-executive Chairman of the Kontraband Group and Non-executive Director of French Internet companies, Eyeka and Digicompanion.
As former Head of Music at O2, Matt Cockett holds key insights into the music and entertainment industry. Cockett has a strong background in mobile, having worked at Reuters and Vizzavi prior to O2. He is currently Commercial Director of New Stream Media, specialising in digital strategy, production and distribution solutions for the music and entertainment industries.
Digital Experiences is an expanding area for MIG. The company says the appointment of Paul Samuels, coupled with his detailed knowledge of this area will enable its new venture, launching later this year, to hit the ground running. During his time at O2, Samuels oversaw several large, interactive sponsorship deals in, including Big Brother, Arsenal and The O2. He is currently Executive Director of AEG sponsorship.
The coming six months is an important time for the business, says MIG Managing Director, Barry Houlihan. MIG continues to experience exceptional growth and we have plans to launch two further businesses by the end of the calendar year. We have carefully selected our strategic advisory team based on their track records and incredible industry knowledge and experience.  Their input will be crucial in positioning Mobile Interactive Group as the leading communications business serving the mobile and digital platforms.