Our Team
James Smyth
President
Jim Smyth has been the President-CEO of White Star Media since it was founded in 1998. Jim has spent over 25 years in Marketing, Media and Sales, working exclusively with Direct to Consumer Marketers. Jim has worked in some of the top Direct Response Marketing agencies, beginning his career at Wunderman Worldwide before going on to work for Media Syndication Global and Media People Inc. respectively. His experience across all print and digital media platforms, as well as the confidence of White Star’s client roster, remains the cornerstone of White Star Media’s continued success.
Ethan Simblist
Director, Digital Strategy
Ethan Simblist brings 11 years of digital advertising experience, driving revenue growth with a diverse group of advertisers including Dell, Capital One, Volkswagen, Diageo, The Wall Street Journal and Xerox to name a few. Ethan is an expert in all cutting-edge digital solutions, including search, social media, ad exchanges, demand side platforms, brand awareness, display, direct response, email, and database marketing. Ethan started his digital career at Lake Group Media where he ascended to Director of L@ke interactive, the direct marketing company’s digital division. Ethan went on to manage the DM Solutions team at Ask Jeeves then InterActiveCorp, launched ContextWeb’s Agency Trading Desk, and also helped a number of other startups bring new technology and solutions to market.
Renee Weatherby
Director of Print and Alternative Media
Since joining White Star Media in 2006, Renee has been an integral part of our success overseeing day to day responsibilities on numerous accounts. Additionally, she has been a significant contributor to the growth of our organization by leveraging her core strengths in managing client relationships and facilitating strategic print media programs. Renee is a native Minnesotan and a graduate of Minnesota State University.
Tamara Linde
Digital Media Planner
Tamara is our in house master of digital execution. Previously, Tamara has done work for ad agencies Initiative (IPG) and Young and Rubicam (WPP). In addition she worked in marketing at Conde Nast Traveler as well as the Digital Advertising department of NewYorkGirlStyle.com. With the great organization, creativity and energy she tracks campaigns and placements daily and even hourly making sure that above all, client objectives our being met. Tamara holds a BA in Political Science & Sociology from Union College, and is Google Adwords Certified.
Brendan Burke
Digital Media Strategist
Brendan joins White Star Media with 10 years of agency / media experience, and will be helping us take the digital side of White Star Media to the next level. Most recently, Brendan managed American Express and all Caribbean media campaign for Travelocity. Brendan also spent several years working for Weinrib & Connor, Inc. and Miller Advertising Agency respectively. Brendan has serviced a diverse group of clients including New York Yankees, Exxon Mobil, Avitat, and AT&T Wireless to name a few. Brendan holds a BA in Communications & Media Studies from Fordham University.
Nicole Larson
Finance Director
Nicole Larson is a CPA and an experienced finance professional with a depth of knowledge from the publishing world. Nicole holds an MBA in Finance from New York University, as well as a BA in Economics from Vassar College. Nicole has over ten years experience working in book publishing in New York as well as the many skills acquired while working in public accounting with Deloitte and Touche and publishers like Time Inc. Nicole is responsible for managing all daily aspects of our operations with regards to accounting and finance.