• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, March 28, 2013

Trying to keep its digital edge, The Wall Street Journal is bolstering its marketing team with several strategic hires.
 
Randa Stephan -- most recently vice president of marketing at Federated Media -- has joined WSJ as executive director of its custom content group.
 
Bret Hansen -- formerly integrated design director at Condé Nast’s Details magazine -- has assumed the role of creative director, and will head up WSJ’s integrated digital and print design teams.
 
The hires represent a broader effort by WSJ to improve its digital ad offerings, according to Nina Lawrence, vice president of global marketing at WSJ.
 
With the fresh talent onboard, “online advertisers can expect more video and mobile offerings, more innovative ad units, and more sponsored and custom product opportunities,” Lawrence said Thursday.
 
In addition, Bree McKenney has come on as WSJ’s new director of integrated marketing solutions for all consumer-advertising categories. She came from Condé Nast’s Vanity Fair, where she was associate director of integrated marketing.
 
Also, Regina Buzzi has been named WSJ’s new marketing director, and is charged with overseeing the research and marketing teams.  She was most recently sales development director at Disney Media Sales & Marketing.
 
In addition, Stephanie Dobbs Brown has joined WSJ as director of brand marketing. She was most recently head of brand and public relations strategy at Thomson Reuters.
 
Regarding the incoming class of spring 2013, Lawrence noted the strength of its cross-platform marketing experience. Lawrence herself only joined WSJ last October, after 15 years at Condé Nast. She replaced Andy Sippel, who left for USA Today.
 
At WSJ, Lawrence oversees the global ad sales marketing team across print, digital and events, as well as the expansion of its creative and custom advertising services.”
 
“Our goal is to be the best in the industry at bringing creative solutions to our advertising partners,” Lawrence said.