COMPANY NEWS
Silverpop Accesses Some Gold
What is it? Silverpop announces $25 million in new funding from Escalate Capital Partners and Silicon Valley Bank. The fund is venture debt, which is often a bridge to an IPO or acquisition.
Who’s talking? “This new funding allows us to invest even more aggressively in 2013 and beyond, giving an ever wider set of marketers access to our game-changing solution,” says CEO Bill Nussey.
USPS Flys With FedEx
What is it? TheUnited States Postal Service (USPS) awards Federal Express a new seven-year contract to provide domestic air transportation for Priority and Express Mail. The current contract between the two ends in September.
WIIFM? According to USPS, the new deal will provide postal customers with service improvements, capacity flexibility, and other planned operational upgrades.
What’s the bottom line? The contract is valued at $10.5 billion.
PRODUCTS
B2B Customer Intelligence
What is it? Bizo announces an extension of its current digital marketing platform to allow B2B companies to access data on more than 120 million business professionals.
WIIFM? Deeper audience intelligence for current users of Adobe AudienceManager, Eloqua AdFocus, Salesforce, Blue Kai, [x+1], and Google Analytics.
Who’s talking? “In order to reach and convert their online prospects, today’s data-driven marketers require high quality third-party data, and Bizo fills this need,” says BlueKai CEO Omar Tawakol.
Kicking the GAN
What is it? Skimlinks introduces a toolset to help former Google Affiliate Network (GAN) publishers transition to alternate links following Google’s announcement it would shut down the service on July 31.
WIIFM? Migrating publishers can ensure revenue continuity.
Who’s talking? “Over the next few months, GAN advertisers will leave and join other affiliate networks, which means existing GAN links may be broken and unable to earn publishers their commissions that publishers rely on,” says Mark MacDonald, senior director of account management.
Stronger Voice
What is it? Clarabridge releases version 6.0 of its customer experience and voice of the customer solution.
WIIFM? More actionable insights, says the company, due to upgrades in comparative analysis, collaboration fetures, and Hadoop support.
Who’s talking? “Hadoop support is critical in today’s Big Data world,” says CEO Sid Banerjee.
The Falling Price of Loyalty
What is it? Boomerang announces Boomerang Rewards, a loyalty program for online publishers
WIIFM? If you are an online publisher, you get paid by online retailers and brands to reward regular visitors with gift cards. It’s better than being Santa.
Who’s talking? “We wanted to shake up both loyalty and advertising as people traditionally think of them,” says CEO Zach Smith.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Who is it: Michael Bennett, named director of digital marketing and strategy for KSL resorts, operator of such properties as the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego and La Costa in Carlsbad.
What’s his role: He will be responsible for developing and managing KSL Resorts’ online presence, including design and strategy for all company websites, digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce.
Where was he prior: A hospitality industry veteran who has worked at Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, and Hyatt, Bennett most recently served as VP of e-marketing and communications for White Lodging Services.
Why was he appointed: “As the digital space becomes more and more important to us, we are confident Michael will leverage his extensive experience spearheading our efforts in this area,” says VP of Marketing Arthur Berg.
Who is it: Melissa Stevens, promoted to VP of Sales at paper supplier Mohawk
What’s her role: Stevens will drive new initiatives and develop new market opportunities
Where was she prior: She was previously director of sales, strategic accounts and sales process improvement at Mohawk
Who are they: Jim Sterne, Eric Otterson, Huw Griffiths, and Jay Baer named to the advisory board of Anametrix, a marketing analytics company
What’s their role: Provide strategic guidance
Where are they from: Sterne founded the eMetrics Summit, Otterson is SVP of business development at Cooley LLP, Griffiths is global chief performance officer at Universal McCann, and Baer runs the Convince & Convert consultancy.
Why were they appointed: “I am already excited about the ideas that will come out of conversations with such an esteemed group of thought leaders,” says Anametrix CEO Pelin Thorogood.
