Firefly is a mobility based advertising and data platform that allows rideshare drivers to make money through digital advertising.

Information Technology

Firefly

Kristopher Bistre is the VP, Agency Strategy & Regional Development at Firefly. Kristopher has over 7 years of experience in the media industry. Prior to joining Firefly, they were with Vector Media New York for 3 years, where they worked their way up from intern to account executive. Kristopher has a passion for helping brands tell better stories and connect with consumers. Kristopher is a creative thinker with a strong track record of delivering measurable results.

Kristopher Bistre has a degree in Communication and Media Studies from the [New Jersey Institute of Technology](/org/new-jersey-institute-of-technology). Kristopher also has a degree in Communications from Caldwell University. Kristopher is also certified by [The Trade Desk](/org/the-trade-desk) in Edge Academy Certified: Marketing Foundations.

They are on a team with Walter Yang - VP, Central Sales, Altug Simsek - SVP, Revenue & Business Operations, and David Clutter - VP, Sales. Kristopher Bistre reports to Cecilia Lang, Chief Revenue Officer.

Kristopher Bistre

Kaan Gunay is the Co-Founder and CEO of Firefly, a startup that is currently in stealth mode. Prior to Firefly, Kaan was a Fellow at [Lightspeed Venture Partners](/org/lightspeed), where they worked with various startups including [Ace Games](/org/ace-games), Lime, [Eaze](/org/eaze), [FreeWill](/org/freewill), [Nova Credit](/org/nova-credit), [Kunduz](/org/kunduz), Sugar, [Anchorage](/org/anchorage), and Lidyana. Before [Lightspeed](/org/lightspeed-com), Kaan was a Fellow at Sequoia Capital.

Prior to their venture capital career, Kaan worked as a hedge fund investor at Bracebridge Capital, LLC. There, they focused on Emerging Markets and Europe.

Kaan's research on "Polarization dependence of light transmission through individual nanoapertures in metal films" was published in the Journal of the Optical Society of America (Josa B).

Kaan is also an investor and advisor for various startups.

Kaan Gunay received their Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and their Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from [Brown University](/org/brown-university).

Some individuals on their team include Roey F. - SVP, Product, Chris Polos - SVP, Firefly Media, and Cevdet Nuhrat - SVP, Engineering & GM, Turkey.

Kaan Gunay

Cecilia Lang is the Chief Revenue Officer at Firefly. Cecilia has over 20 years of experience in media and advertising sales. 

Lang began their career as a Global Sales Director at Washington Post Newsweek in 1999. In 2006, they were recruited by [The Washington Post](/org/the-washington-post) to launch and develop sales and marketing for Slate Magazine. While at [The Washington Post](/org/the-washington-post), Lang also lead the revenue launch of SocialCode, the first-ever Facebook Ads API partner. 

In 2016, Lang left [The Washington Post](/org/the-washington-post) to become the Senior Vice President Advertising at OUTFRONT Media. At OUTFRONT Media, Lang was responsible for leading the digital transformation from static OOH to a robust digital media company. This included the launch of mobile network, programmatic, audience data platform, and measurement tools. During their time at OUTFRONT Media, Lang built and led a strategic partnerships sales and marketing team that was responsible for a $290 million advertising budget. This team helped grow OUTFRONT Media's revenue by 22% year-over-year. In 2019, Lang was part of a select team that worked on the bid to win a roughly $1bn contract to install digital screens for the NYC MTA. 

Lang joined Firefly as the Chief Revenue Officer in 2020.

Cecilia Lang graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations/Journalism from [Bowling Green State University](/org/bowling-green-state-university).

Cecilia Lang reports to Kaan Gunay, Co-Founder & CEO. Some direct reports include Alissa Buckhahn - VP, Sales, International Business, David Walthers - VP, West Coast Sales, and Kristopher Bistre - VP, Agency Strategy & Regional Development. They work with Oguz Karatay - Chief of Staff to the CEO & VP, Business Operations, Mark Lindsey - SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, and Kelly Vereb Steube - VP, Marketing.

Cecilia Lang

Anil Suren is the current COO at Firefly. Prior to this, they were the regional manager at TERRA, a program designed to bring together the most disruptive startups and progressive corporations to fuel cross-industry innovation in food and agriculture. Before that, they were the director of strategy and lean tactics at Frost Data Capital, where they worked on product strategy and go-to- market plans for portfolio companies. Anil has also been actively involved in managing Frost DC's innovation-as-a-service "Designer Startups" program, as well as the "Lean Startup" program inside the incubator.

Anil Suren has a MBA in Finance from University of California, Irvine - The Paul Merage School of Business, a BA in Economics from [Koç University](/org/koc-university), and a High School diploma from Sankt Georg Avusturya Lisesi.

and Ceren Çehreli - VP, Operations & Strategy reports to Anil Suren. Their manager is Kaan Gunay, Co-Founder & CEO. Some of their coworkers include Cecilia Lang - Chief Revenue Officer, Oguz Karatay - Chief of Staff to the CEO & VP, Business Operations, and Roey F. - SVP, Product.

Anil Suren

Kelly Vereb Steube has been working in marketing for over 10 years. Kelly started their career as a sales representative for Rolling Stone Magazine, where they developed new programs and offerings and negotiated contracts with third-party companies. In 2018, they were promoted to VP of Marketing, where they oversaw the marketing department for RadarOnline.com, OKMagazine.com, and StarMagazine.com. In 2020, they joined Genius as VP of Integrated Marketing, and helped the company celebrate More Than The Music—the lyrics, the stories behind the songs, and the creative connections that meaningfully drive culture. In September 2021, Genius was acquired by [MediaLab](/org/medialab-com), and Kelly continues to work as VP of Marketing at Firefly.

Kelly Vereb Steube attended the [University of Delaware](/org/university-of-delaware), where they received their Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Political Science and Journalism. Kelly also attended Archbishop Spalding High School.

They are on a team with Anil Suren - COO, Chris Polos - SVP, Firefly Media, and Oguz Karatay - Chief of Staff to the CEO & VP, Business Operations. Their manager is Kaan Gunay, Co-Founder & CEO.

Kelly Vereb Steube

David Clutter is the current Vice President of Sales at Firefly. Prior to this, they served as the Vice President of National Strategic Agency and Programmatic Partnerships at [PlaceIQ](/org/placeiq) from January 2014 to July 2019. In this role, they were responsible for overseeing the sales staff of fourteen account executives and ensuring that profit margins and revenue growth were on target. David also worked with regional vice presidents and account executives to drive sales and contracted with strategic partners focused on sports, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, and automotive. From July 2019 to November 2021, they served as the Vice President, Head of Demand at Beachfront. In this role, they led the sales effort for [Format Dynamics](/org/format-dynamics), an innovative technology startup that provides publishers and advertisers with high performance digital solutions that target audiences who are engaged and interacting with content.

David Clutter has a Bachelor of Arts in English from [The Ohio State University](/org/the-ohio-state-university) and an MPA from Indiana University Bloomington. David also went to Westerville South for their education.

David Clutter reports to Cecilia Lang, Chief Revenue Officer. They work with Walter Yang - VP, Central Sales, Altug Simsek - SVP, Revenue & Business Operations, and Kristopher Bistre - VP, Agency Strategy & Regional Development.

David Clutter

Alissa Buckhahn is the VP of Sales at Firefly, a street-level digital media network. Alissa has been with the company since March 2020 and in their current role, they oversee sales for the Midwest and West regions. Prior to their current role, Alissa was a Regional Sales Manager and a Senior Account Executive at Firefly. Alissa also has experience working in the broadcasting industry, having served as an Account Executive at KNBR 680 The Sports Leader, KOFY TV, and ABC5 TV.

Alissa Buckhahn's educational career includes a Bachelor's Degree in Apparel and Textile Marketing Management from [Iowa State University](/org/iowa-state-university), as well as a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Apparel and Textile Marketing Management from Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici.

Alissa Buckhahn works with Walter Yang - VP, Central Sales, Altug Simsek - SVP, Revenue & Business Operations, and David Clutter - VP, Sales. Alissa Buckhahn reports to Cecilia Lang, Chief Revenue Officer.

Alissa Buckhahn

Joe Riley is the Vice President, Head of Revenue Operations at Firefly. Joe has over 20 years of experience in operations and media. Joe has a proven track record in developing and executing successful strategies that drive revenue and growth.

Joe started their career at Crisp Mobile as the Vice President, Client Services. Joe was responsible for the company’s vision to use mobile technology to bring consumers and brands more closely together. Joe was instrumental in the development of mobile ad formats that are inspired by performance data and specific customer mobile activation needs and applications.

From there, Joe went on to Quotient Technology Inc. as the Sr. Director, Media Operations. In this role, they were responsible for leading a team of media professionals in the planning and execution of media campaigns. Joe’s expertise in developing and executing successful media strategies helped Quotient Technology Inc. grow their business significantly.

Most recently, Joe has been with [Yieldmo](/org/yieldmo) as the Vice President, Operations since April 2019. In this role, they oversee all aspects of [Yieldmo](/org/yieldmo)’s operations, including finance, legal, HR, and IT. Under Joe’s leadership, [Yieldmo](/org/yieldmo) has been able to bring brands closer to their customers by harnessing the power of their engagement data platform.

Joe Riley has a MBA from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business and also went to the [University of Notre Dame](/org/university-of-notre-dame).

Some of their coworkers include Alissa Buckhahn - VP, Sales, International Business, David Clutter - VP, Sales, and David Walthers - VP, West Coast Sales. Joe Riley reports to Cecilia Lang, Chief Revenue Officer.

Joe Riley

Chris Polos is currently the Senior Vice President of Firefly Media at Firefly. Chris has previously held the positions of Senior Vice President of Operations at [Simulmedia](/org/simulmedia) from February 2013 to July 2014, and General Manager of VeriFone Media from July 2009 to February 2013. Prior to that, they were the Director of Sales for the Eastern Region at Danoo, Inc. from July 2008 to June 2009.

Chris Polos has extensive experience in the media industry, with a focus on taxi media platforms. Chris has been instrumental in establishing and leading VeriFone Media, and has successfully negotiated content partnerships with major networks such as NBC. Chris has also successfully grown the Taxi Entertainment Network into a major force in the industry, with a presence in 6 major markets across the US.

Chris Polos is a highly effective leader with a proven track record of success in the media industry. Chris is passionate about their work and is always looking for new ways to grow and improve their company's offerings. Chris is a true asset to any organization, and Firefly is lucky to have him on their team.

Chris Polos attended the [University of California, Riverside](/org/university-of-california-riverside) where they obtained their BA in Economics. Chris then went on to earn their MBA from the University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business with a focus in Finance and General Management.

Their manager is Kaan Gunay, Co-Founder & CEO. Chris Polos works with Cevdet Nuhrat - SVP, Engineering & GM, Turkey, Roey F. - SVP, Product, and Jennifer Kurzman - General Counsel.

Chris Polos

Ceren Çehreli is currently the VP of Operations & Strategy at Firefly. Prior to this, they were a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting from September 2017 to August 2019. Before that, they were an Analyst at [Russell Reynolds Associates](/org/russell-reynolds-associates) from September 2014 to June 2015.

Ceren Çehreli has a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from [Boğaziçi University](/org/bogazici-university) and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from [Boğaziçi University](/org/bogazici-university). Ceren also has a degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from [Columbia University](/org/columbia-university).

Their manager is Anil Suren, COO.

Ceren Çehreli

David Walthers is a sales executive with over 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries. David is currently the VP of West Coast Sales at Firefly, a leading provider of social media and marketing software for businesses. Prior to joining Firefly, David held sales leadership positions at Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK, Songtradr, Inc, and Awesomeness (acquired by Viacom). David began their career as a Vertical Lead in Brand Strategy & Sales at Tumblr.

David is a results-driven sales leader with a proven track record of success in developing and executing sales strategies that drive revenue growth. David is an expert in building and managing high-performing sales teams and has a deep understanding of the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape. David is a strategic thinker who excels at developing creative solutions to complex problems. David is a strong communicator with excellent negotiation skills.

David is a California native and earned their bachelor’s degree in business administration from the [University of Southern California](/org/university-of-southern-california).

David Walthers has a BA in Advertising & Marketing Communication from the [Fashion Institute of Technology](/org/fashion-institute-of-technology). David is currently working as a Field Data Analyst for [General Assembly](/org/general-assembly).

Their manager is Cecilia Lang, Chief Revenue Officer. Some of their coworkers include Altug Simsek - SVP, Revenue & Business Operations, Alissa Buckhahn - VP, Sales, International Business, and Joe Riley - VP, Head of Revenue Operations.

David Walthers

Altug Simsek is the SVP of Revenue & Business Operations at Firefly. Altug was previously an Associate at [McKinsey & Company](/org/mckinsey-company) from September 2015 to August 2018. Before that, they were a Management Consultant at the Peppers & Rogers Group from January 2014 to December 2015. Altug Simsek began their career as a Customer Business Development at [Procter & Gamble](/org/procter-gamble) from January 2013 to December 2013. Altug then became a Brand Ambassador at Nike from January 2012 to December 2013. Lastly, they worked as a Brand Ambassador at Sony from January 2011 to December 2012.

Altug Simsek reports to Cecilia Lang, Chief Revenue Officer. Some of their coworkers include Kristopher Bistre - VP, Agency Strategy & Regional Development, Walter Yang - VP, Central Sales, and David Walthers - VP, West Coast Sales.

Altug Simsek

Mark Lindsey is the Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at American Capital. Mark has over fifteen years of experience in the private equity and alternative asset management industry. Prior to joining American Capital, Mr. Lindsey was a consultant for various companies. Mark has also served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for [Canapi Ventures](/org/canapi).

Mark Lindsey received their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the [University of Colorado Denver](/org/university-of-colorado-denver). Mark also has a certification from the [AICPA](/org/aicpa) (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) as a Certified Public Accountant.

Some of their coworkers include Cevdet Nuhrat - SVP, Engineering & GM, Turkey, Cecilia Lang - Chief Revenue Officer, and Chris Polos - SVP, Firefly Media. Mark Lindsey reports to Kaan Gunay, Co-Founder & CEO.

Mark Lindsey

Jennifer Kurzman

Walter Yang

Seda Birinci Karatekin

Oguz Karatay

Cevdet Nuhrat

Roey F. is currently the SVP of Product at Firefly. Prior to this, they held the position of VP of Product & Innovation at [Xaxis](/org/xaxis) from February 2018 to January 2022. They were also the Associate Director of Partnerships at [Undertone](/org/undertone) from August 2015 to February 2018, and before that, the VP of North America at Spark Flow from November 2014 to August 2015. Roey's background also includes working as the Director of Product Management at Ghostery, Inc. from March 2014 to November 2014, and as the Founder of Lookandfeel Games from May 2009 to November 2019. They began their career in product marketing, working as the Product Marketing Manager for Media Solutions at MediaMind from September 2008 to February 2014. Roey's first job was working in the Network Operations Center at Deltathree from September 2006 to September 2008.

Roey F. works with Kelly Vereb Steube - VP, Marketing, Chris Polos - SVP, Firefly Media, and Seda Birinci Karatekin - VP, People. Roey F. reports to Kaan Gunay, Co-Founder & CEO.

Firefly

Org chart

Teams

Leadership Team

CEO and Executive Team

Founding Team

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