EXTE Appoints Lee Lythe as Managing Director UK
by on 9th Nov 2026 in News
EXTE, the global ad tech company bringing together technology, creativity, and premium media, has appointed Lee Lythe as managing director UK.
Lythe will lead EXTE's UK business, driving commercial growth, strengthening relationships with agencies and advertisers, and building on the company's position in the UK advertising market.
The appointment comes as advances in advertising technology are opening up new opportunities for brands in open web. As advertisers look to diversify their media investment beyond walled gardens, the ability to combine sophisticated targeting, premium environments, and creative innovation is becoming increasingly important.
EXTE brings together premium media, proprietary technology, and creative capabilities to help brands reach audiences across the open web. Its portfolio spans display, video, rich media, native, and connected TV (CTV), combining AI-powered targeting with innovative advertising formats to create more engaging experiences for consumers.
Lythe brings more than 20 years of media industry experience, most notably as chief investment officer at Spark Foundry UK, part of Publicis Groupe, where she led a 120-person investment team. During her tenure, she oversaw media investment for some of the UK's largest advertisers, developed strategic partnerships with leading media owners and technology platforms, and drove commercial innovation across the business.
More recently, Lythe was chief marketing officer and part of the founding leadership team at WNTD, an AI-powered consumer shopping platform. Working at the forefront of AI in consumer technology has given her a fresh perspective on how emerging technologies are transforming consumer behaviour and creating new opportunities for brands to connect with audiences.
Lee Lythe, managing director UK at EXTE, comments: "Having spent over 20 years buying media, I've seen the industry become increasingly dominated by the walled gardens. But technology has changed the game, creating huge opportunities for brands to reach audiences in new and more engaging ways."
"What drew me to EXTE is how they're bringing together premium media, market leading technology and creative innovation to redefine what's possible for brands. I'm incredibly excited to lead the UK business and help unlock that potential."
James Hill, chief commercial officer at EXTE, comments: "Lee brings an exceptional combination of commercial leadership, deep industry relationships and a strong understanding of the UK advertising market."
"Having led media investment at one of the world's largest agency groups, she understands the commercial challenges facing advertisers and agencies, and how to build partnerships that deliver meaningful results. Her more recent experience in emerging consumer technology brings an additional perspective as the industry continues to evolve."
"As a global business the UK is a strategically important market for EXTE. Lee's experience and leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate our growth, deepen our partnerships and expand the opportunities we create for brands. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome her to the team."
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