Executive Team

Christopher Churchill, CEO / COB / Founder / Head Bottle Washer

Chris founded Optimate Networks (ON), Inc to pioneer the worldwide syndication of video content on the emerging digital platforms of online, out-of-home, and mobile platforms. Now the “ON Networks” reaching hundreds of millions of users.
In 2002, Chris founded one of the first search engine marketing (SEM) companies Fathom Online, Inc, headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York City and Chicago. As CEO, Chris oversaw daily operation and provided the strategic leadership to the Company, as it served 18 of the country’s largest advertising agencies and more than 100 of the most recognized brand names. Prior to Fathom Chris was the Director of Syndication at Ask Jeeves from 2000 to 2002.
Chris and his wife, Marcella, are the proud parents of a young son, Ian and a daughter, Chloe.

Dave Shikiar - VP, Content Acquisition

Dave Shikiar has had a television resume that spans 18 years producing television shows and series for all the major broadcast and cable networks. He has served as the Production Manager, Executive in Charge of Production or as a Co-Executive Producer for over 4000 hours of programming for Paramount TV’s Hard Copy, HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Nickelodeon, Fine Living Network, Discovery, The History Channel, A&E, CNN, ABC, Fox, NBC, VH-1, and National Geographic. As an EIC, Dave managed the P&L, budget negotiations, formed the production teams, and completed production and delivery of all programs.
In early 2004, while the ad dollars were migrating to broadband distribution, Dave founded World Wide Arts; an out of home, flat screen media business, that creates, produces, and acquires professional content. This business concept formed the foundation for the Optimate Networks out-of-home sector and in 2006, Dave joined with Optimate as the SVP of Content Acquisition and Sales. The content acquisitions cover all genres of professional content, and have for the Optimate content syndication to the forefront of their business.
Dave lives and works in Los Angeles, CA and enjoys the mountain biking trails, backpacking, camping, reading and traveling. Dave and his wife Julie and have two boys, Jesse and Sam.

Gilbert Orser - EVP, Business Development

Gilbert came to Optimate Networks from Fathom Online, a Search Engine Marketing firm, where he was a key contributor to the growth of the company building revenues from $1 MM - $30 MM (2002/2005). Gilbert's sharp analytical skills made him well suited for the Director of Account Services and he oversaw accounts such as McCann-Erickson, Intuit, Hilton, StarCom-IP, FedEx-Kinkos, Sprint, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Gymboree, Autodesk and more. Prior to Fathom, Gilbert was a Senior Account Executive at Ask Jeeves where he developed integrated search marketing campaigns for Avenue A, Microsoft & Expedia among others. He recently received his MBA in Finance from the University of San Francisco. When Gilbert is not fully consumed by the start-up life, he spends time with his wife and two daughters.

Dan Yada- VP, Sales

Dan brings to Optimate unique ad sales, business development and marketing experience that makes him perfectly suited for revenue generation at early stage companies. He has over ten years of experience in the interactive space and knows how to make it rain when there is nothing but drought! Previously, Dan was a founding member and Director of Sales for Reprise Media (NYSE: IPG), a search and social media marketing firm, where he helped start the company, opened the San Francisco offices and drove the company’s sales and business development strategy up until the IPG acquisition. Prior to joining Reprise Media, Dan was part of Ask Jeeves' Sales Management team. During this stint he managed the top revenue-producing advertising sales team, generating over $15 million a year for clients including Toyota, Microsoft and Nike. Dan also worked as a media strategist with Left Field Interactive, where he managed internet marketing programs and helped launch Amazon.com's first affiliate marketing program and Macys.com's first ever online marketing campaign. Dan began his career at Hotwired.com; a former WIRED digital property (now Terra-Lycos). An avid music and outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys concerts, skiing and mountain biking. Dan earned a BA in international foreign policy from the University of Vermont.

Seth Hammac - Director of Client Services

Seth joined Optimate Networks as the Director of Client Services after several positions that teamed educating clients with the use of new technologies. In his current role he works closely with clients to integrate Optimate’s rich media offerings. He began his career in Frankfurt Germany working for Star Alliance Services GmbH. There he was an analyst for the company's loyalty and marketing efforts, managing the company's online surveys. He also supervised multiple ad agencies and played a role on the strategic development and the global alliance advertising plans. When he returned to the States, he joined syndicated search giant, Fathom Online, working closely with clients, Microsoft and Intuit. He helped to educate both agencies and direct clients on effective ways to advertise in Search Marketing. Seth most recently worked at CNET where he was in charge of managing their search marketing efforts. There he strengthened his technical skills helping to build the tracking and analysis functionality. Seth holds a Bachelors in Economics from Graceland University. He also has lived abroad in Hungary & Germany where he developed a passion for travel.

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