D3 bolsters leadership with three senior hires
Independent data-driven media agency D3 has expanded its leadership team with three senior appointments – Torsten Stolt as Head of Data & Technology, Alex Duval as Head of SEO & Experience, and Courtney Barnett as Client Partner. Together they bring deep expertise across data, digital and client leadership, reflecting the agency’s next phase of growth.
Stolt brings close to two decades of experience in data strategy, analytics and AI/Machine Learning solutions, including five years as Business Intelligence Director at Together. He will strengthen D3’s data and technology offer, with a focus on building privacy-safe data foundations and helping brands turn first-party data into commercial advantage.
Duval has more than ten years’ expertise in SEO, CRO and content strategy from independent agencies including Sprocket and Krunch.co. He will lead D3’s digital content offering delivering best-in-class SEO strategies, experience design and integration of AI-driven solutions to extract greater value from website and organic search.
Barnett brings international and local agency leadership experience, including senior planning roles at IPG Mediabrands in London and as Group Business Director at GroupM New Zealand, where she led accounts such as Uber and Mars. At D3 she will ensure the agency’s specialist capabilities translate into measurable business outcomes for clients.
The trio join General Manager Lani Jamieson, who stepped into the role earlier this year, alongside co-founders Richard Thompson and Alex Radford. Collectively, they form a strengthened leadership team guiding the agency through a period of expansion and growing client demand, as the industry adapts to the next wave of transformation in media – driven by AI, data, and connected digital ecosystems.
Stolt says of his appointment: “Data has always been central to effective marketing, but the industry is now at a tipping point. Brands need solid data foundations to compete in a world shaped by AI and shifting privacy rules. I’m excited to help D3’s clients move from talking about transformation to making it real – building systems and strategies that create lasting commercial advantage.”
Jamieson says: “Our clients want clarity and confidence as the industry shifts. With leaders like
Torsten, Alex and Courtney on board, we’re bringing together the right expertise to guide them through that change. It’s a huge momentum boost for the agency and a reflection of the ambition we share with our clients.”
D3 partners with leading brands including amongst others ZIWI, Milford Asset Management, Metlifecare, NIB, Up Education Group, Rodd & Gunn and The Co-operative Bank, underpinning the agency’s continued growth and investment in senior talent.
Pictured (L–R): Alex Duval, Courtney Barnett, Torsten Stolt