Executive biographies

Michael Donovan

Michael Donovan is the founder, worldwide chairman and CEO of Donovan Data Systems. In addition to these responsibilities, Michael focuses on product development.

Born in Panama and raised in Costa Rica and Peru, Michael graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in engineering. He continued his studies at MIT with an MS in computers and business. After a year at IBM in New York, in 1965 Michael saw an opportunity to go out on his own as an independent programming consultant. He started Donovan Data Systems two years later.

Michael designed and wrote the company's first system, DiskTab, for market research tabulation. From there, he steered Donovan Data Systems into licensed advertising software systems and, in the early '70s, set it up as an industry data centre, long before outsourcing became fashionable.

Steve Peeples

Steve Peeples is managing director of service and product for DDS in the US and UK.

His responsibilities include general management of Client Service and Product Development, and, with Michel Petenzi, the day-to-day operation of DDS.

Steve joined DDS in 1984 as an account executive, and was based for a long time in Atlanta, where he worked directly with clients, developing an understanding of their daily workflow and challenges. Before joining DDS, Steve earned an MBA at NYU.

JT Batson

JT Batson is the president of DDS Digital. He's responsible for leading the company's digital agenda as well as providing strategic counsel to advertising agency clients and their trading desks.

Before joining DDS in July 2010, JT was EVP at the Rubicon Project where he managed revenue and global development. While he was at the Rubicon Project, its business expanded rapidly in five countries.

Before joining the Rubicon Project, JT worked for the Mozilla Corporation, where he led international and retention marketing efforts for Firefox. In his retention marketing role, JT managed the launch of Mozilla's first user support for Firefox.

Before Mozilla, JT was at AdBrite, where he managed PR, marketing and sales development for the fast-growing Sequoia-backed start-up.

JT has a degree in political science from Stanford University.

Michel Petenzi

Michel Petenzi is managing director of technology and product for DDS in the US and UK.

His primary responsibility is overseeing the infrastructure and technologies used for DDS product development. Areas that fall under his leadership include PC Facilities, Web Development, Notes Development, Product Technical Services and Quality Assurance.

Michel joined DDS France in 1990. In 1991, he moved to London where he was appointed PC Development manager for DDS UK. Michel’s DDS journey brought him to New York in 1994, where he managed the PC Facilities group. In the years that followed his role expanded to include overseeing Product Technical Services and Quality Assurance as well. In 2001, Michel was appointed director of technology and leads a team of 50 people.

Michael Begley

Michael Begley is the chief financial officer of DDS in North America. He is responsible for the company's financial management and reporting in the US and Canada, and for its worldwide financial reporting and budgeting.

Mike joined DDS in 2002, having worked as a senior audit manager at Price Waterhouse and held various senior financial positions with major international service companies.

Ken Breen

Ken Breen is director of agency relations for DDS. His primary responsibility is managing business relationships at a senior level within client agencies. He's also responsible for the development of new business.

Ken began working at DDS in 1996 as director, new business development, and became marketing director in 2000. Before joining the company, Ken worked in the media departments of three leading ad agencies, and was a sales account executive at a major television network.

Preston Casertano

Preston Casertano is director of Product Development for DDS in the US and UK.

His primary responsibility is overseeing the delivery of new applications to DDS clients, provided through the Product Development, Quality Assurance and Product Technical Service teams.

Preston began working at DDS in 1982 in the Client Service department as an account representative. He moved into Product Development in 1985 as a programmer for accounting and production systems. In 1999 he took on the role of accounting product director. In 2006 Preston was appointed head of Product Development for North America.

Harvey Kent

Harvey Kent is chief media strategist at DDS in North America, working with Mike Koizim and Michael Donovan determining the strategic direction of the company. He is responsible for coordinating all DDS activities with the media and advertising industry regarding new initiatives.

Harvey joined DDS immediately after college. After a short stay, he left to form his own company. He returned to DDS in 1994, to help establish the company's dominant position in the TV rep market.

Ray Lear

Ray Lear is director of corporate operations for Donovan Data Systems. He is responsible for delivering DDS products to clients while also supporting the company's own IT needs.

Following six years with the Royal Navy, Ray joined DDS in 1989. Since then he has managed the company's telecommunications and internal support departments.

He became operations director in January 2008 following the relocation of the company's London offices and data center.