Rakuten Rewards recently announced the promotion of Carl Lurie Kalapesi to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). He has served as the Senior Vice President of Revenue since early 2024. In his new position, he will be responsible for all the revenue and commercial functions. This also includes sales, go-to-market, and site merchandising. He also plans to emphasize the transformation of the business and the company. He has been recognized for his major impact on the top-line business performance.
Driving Innovation in Performance Marketing
As the SVP at his previous company, Lurie Kalapesi has also implemented various successful growth initiatives. He initiated the launch of the Programmatic Loyalty solution, which uses AI technology. This platform triggers personal rewards through the real-time activity of customers. Additionally, he has also expanded business partnerships to other industries such as the travel industry and the finance industry. These efforts have strengthened the value proposition for brand partners. He aims to make the platform an indispensable marketing tool.
“Carl brings a unique blend of media, advertising, and technology expertise, and possesses a deep understanding of the dynamic priorities of modern marketers. His appointment as chief commercial officer officially recognizes his profound impact and leadership at Rakuten Rewards,” said Amit Patel, chief executive officer of Rakuten Rewards and Rakuten International.
“I’m honored to officially step into this role as we work to solidify our position as an indispensable partner in delivering value to our partners and as the most rewarding way for our members to shop,” said Lurie Kalapesi.
Before joining the firm, Lurie Kalapesi held leadership roles at FreeWheel and Yahoo!. He helped double revenue and reach profitability at his previous companies. Now, he will use that experience to scale Rakuten’s operations globally. The company remains the largest cash-back platform in its category. They have provided over $4.6 billion in rewards since 1999. This move ensures the brand remains a leader in digital marketing.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
Software Finder just announced a massive 110% year-over-year revenue growth for 2025. This achievement marks the third year in a row of triple-digit gains. The B2B software marketplace continues to outperform many competitors in the sector. Most software discovery firms saw downward trends this past year. However, Software Finder saw its web traffic rise by 364%. This surge shows a high demand for trusted software insights.
Scaling Global Operations and Talent
The company also expanded its physical presence and workforce. In 2025, the global headcount grew from 165 to over 300 staff members. These new hires support product innovation and customer experience. The company plans to hire even more people soon. They aim to reach 450 employees globally in the next phase. This expansion helps the firm maintain its strong leadership position.
“Reaching triple-digit growth for the third year in a row reflects the strength of our model and the trust we’ve built with the market,” said Adnan Malik, Co-Founder and CEO. “This level of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of staying focused on real market needs and executing with discipline.”
“Our focus has always been on building a sustainable, trusted marketplace,” added Shane Elahi, Co-Founder & COO. “The alignment we’re seeing across revenue growth, traffic growth, and team expansion reinforces that our strategy is working and built to scale.”
The firm remains focused on providing transparent research tools. They help organizations make confident software decisions. The team continues to invest in global growth initiatives. Their goal is to reduce risk for software buyers everywhere. This strategy ensures long-term success in a competitive market.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
Ping Identity recently announced the appointment of Adnan Chaudhry to the new role of Chief Revenue Officer. The move sees him leading global go-to-market operations at Ping Identity. Chaudhry brings to Ping over a decade of experience in leading roles at Slack and Salesforce. He will now oversee sales, marketing, and partner channels.
As AI changes digital interactions, businesses need robust security. Identity serves as the essential foundation for this trust. Therefore, Ping Identity is prioritizing scalable solutions for modern enterprises. Chaudhry’s expertise will help the company meet rising global demands.
“As AI accelerates digital interactions, identity becomes the trust fabric that holds everything together,” said Andre Durand, CEO and Founder of Ping Identity. “Adnan has scaled global go-to-market teams through periods of change, and his customer-first leadership will help enterprises build and operate on trusted identity at scale.”
Furthermore, the company aims to expand its global footprint. Chaudhry will focus on deepening customer relationships worldwide. This effort supports organizations navigating complex digital landscapes. Consequently, the appointment highlights a commitment to innovation and growth.
“AI is fundamentally transforming how businesses operate and how digital interactions take place,” said Adnan Chaudhry, Chief Revenue Officer of Ping Identity. “As that complexity grows, trusted identity becomes essential not just for security, but for enabling confidence, scale, and innovation.”
Strategic Leadership in the AI Era
Chaudhry previously served as Executive Vice President at Slack. He also held senior leadership positions at Salesforce. Now, he will align revenue operations with emerging AI use cases. This transition in leadership will ensure Ping Identity continues to remain a leading security provider. After all, the company keeps securing digital identities for large enterprises.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
Fintech leader Blend Labs recently appointed Matt Thomson as its new Head of Revenue. Thomson brings more than two and a half decades of deep fintech sales leadership to the company. He will now be leading the sales organization and overseeing the global revenue strategy in his new role. This move tries to expand the company’s presence across various financial institutions.
Previously, Thomson held significant leadership roles at Alkami Technology and ACI Worldwide. At Alkami, he successfully grew the customer base from 10 to over 300 institutions. His experience includes working with major U.S. banks on digital payment platforms.
“Blend has built a powerful platform and strong relationships with key customers,” stated Matt Thomson. “Financial institutions need partners to help them compete digitally while maintaining their unique brands. That is exactly what Blend delivers to the market today.”
Nima Ghamsari, Co-Founder and Head of Blend, expressed strong confidence in the new appointment. He highlighted Thomson’s ability to build trust with high-level bank executives.
“Matt understands the specific challenges that banks and credit unions face,” said Nima Ghamsari. “He knows how to build long-term partnerships that drive real results. We are excited to have him leading our revenue strategy.”
Expanding Market Presence
The company recently reported a 60% year-over-year increase in its sales pipeline. Furthermore, Blend added several new customers during the third quarter of 2025. Outgoing revenue head Brian Kneafsey will now transition into an advisory role. This transition ensures continuity as the company continues to scale its digital lending platform.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
Keyfactor recently announced the appointment of Michael Volanoski as its new President and Chief Revenue Officer. The key hire is expected to enable the company to secure its Market Leadership in AI and the quantum-ready security solutions markets. Volanoski has more than 30 years of experience in leading enterprise technology and fintech. Most recently, he worked as the EVP and CRO at Q2. He has also worked at Microsoft, SAP, and JPMorgan Chase. His expertise will guide Keyfactor through its next phase of rapid international expansion.
Expanding Global Security Operations
The firm continues to grow as organizations face new threats from emerging technologies. Volanoski will oversee the global revenue organization, including sales, marketing, and channel. He plans to scale operations to meet the rising demand for machine identity management. This focus is essential for maintaining Market Leadership in AI during the current quantum era. Keyfactor helps businesses secure communications between devices, workloads, and AI agents. The company recently doubled its annual recurring revenue in less than two years.
“The convergence of quantum computing, agentic AI, and emerging regulatory requirements is fundamentally changing how enterprises must think about cryptography and digital trust,” said Jordan Rackley, CEO at Keyfactor.
“As enterprises confront the realities of quantum-safe security and seek to operationalize trust at scale, Keyfactor has a rare combination of deep cryptographic expertise,” stated Michael Volanoski.
The company remains dedicated to providing robust protection against sophisticated cyberattacks. Securing a strong Market Leadership in AI requires constant innovation in PKI and certificate management. Volanoski will focus on expanding Keyfactor’s global footprint across 12 countries. His arrival marks a new chapter for the identity security specialist.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
The digital transformation firm zeb recently announced a major leadership update. Dave Broering has officially joined the company as the new zeb Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). He brings over 25 years of leadership experience to this vital position. His background includes significant success in scaling high-growth sales operations. Most recently, he served as the President of Integrated Logistics at NFI. At that firm, he grew operations by nearly one billion dollars. He also managed six strategic acquisitions during his successful tenure there.
Scaling Global AI Solutions
Broering will now lead the sales and go-to-market strategies for zeb. The company is a global strategy firm and an AWS Premier Tier Partner. Broering aims to expand the firm’s industry-specific AI solutions. These services target sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. His expertise in technology advisory will help zeb deepen its global partnerships. The firm currently employs over 1,500 technologists across several international offices. This hire marks a significant step in the company’s growth plan.
“Dave’s combination of sales leadership, operational scale, and technology advisory expertise makes him uniquely qualified to lead our sales and go-to-market organization,” said Mal Vivek, CEO at zeb.
“Technical complexity is expanding by the day for businesses across every industry,” said Dave Broering. “I believe zeb’s ability to create production-ready, scalable solutions can transform business while preparing them for the future where more change is inevitable, and I’m excited to scale this.”
The zeb Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) also maintains advisory roles with eight venture-funded technology startups. This strategic move strengthens the executive team at the Wilmington-based firm. It ensures zeb remains a leader in the digital consulting space.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) recently released its latest industry forecast. The report projects that US consumer technology retail revenues will reach $565 billion in 2026. This represents a 4.1% increase over the previous year. It is a growth despite possible tariffs and other economic headwinds. Innovation in artificial intelligence remains one of the major drivers for this upward trend. Consumers continue to create demand for smarter devices both in their homes and daily lives. Remarkably, this industry shows resilience amidst complexity in the global market.
The data highlights several key areas of growth for the coming year. Artificial intelligence is now a standard feature in many new products. This includes everything from laptops to advanced home appliances. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) notes that services also play a huge role. Subscription models for software and entertainment continue to generate steady income. These digital services help balance the costs of hardware manufacturing. More people are investing in health tech and high-end audio gear.
Future Outlook from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
Industry leaders gathered at CES to discuss these financial findings. They believe that tech is now a necessity for most US households. This shift in consumer behavior supports long-term industry stability. Even with rising trade costs, the sector remains a vital growth engine. The report suggests that efficiency gains from AI will lower long-term prices. This keeps technology accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Gary Shapiro, the Executive Chair & CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), said:
“Despite a shifting economic landscape, the technology industry remains a core pillar of the American economy. Our latest data shows that innovation continues to drive consumer spending. We see massive potential in AI-integrated hardware and the expanding services sector. This growth is a testament to the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive.”
The forecast shows that while overall growth remains steady, the burden of rising costs is falling unevenly across the industry, with smaller companies more likely to face margin pressure or supply chain disruptions.
Despite the difficulties, the major segments keep growing. Hardware industry revenue is predicted to increase 3.4%, with expenditure on software and services to rise 4.2% to almost $194 billion. Yet, the predicted growth of unit sales will be no more than 0.7% in 2026.
Consumers are increasingly prioritizing software-driven value, anchoring to subscription services, and leveraging flexible financing options, signaling a market increasingly driven by premium features and AI-enabled experiences.
Relative to the previous year, these factors are taking place while facing more economic pressures. However, CTA’s projections show an industry that is efficiently adapting to new trends, focusing on software, services, and high innovation as the main engines of industry growth in 2026.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
Monks, the operating brand of S4 Capital plc, is launching a dual-track strategy at CES 2026. The firm will anchor its tech presence at the newly launched CES Foundry. This move aims to bridge the gap between futurism and real function. The company wants to unite marketing and technology services to drive enterprise growth. This coordinated effort shows that AI-native solutions do more than just compress costs. These tools actually ignite business momentum for the modern C-suite.
The strategy focuses on three core pillars: intelligence, creation, and orchestration. Monks will use its flagship ecosystem, Monks.Flow, to automate complex tasks. This system helps brands move beyond simple pilot modes. It turns marketing departments into high-velocity growth engines. By using real-time data, the firm helps leaders build smarter brands. The goal is to move from static demographics to algorithmic targeting.
Transforming the Modern Enterprise via CES Foundry
The team will demonstrate LiveVision at the event. This tool provides a real-time AI video pipeline for rapid scaling. It helps brands make creative decisions in seconds. These innovations provide a blueprint for winning in a digital world. The company will also host sessions with leaders from Amazon and NVIDIA. These talks will explore the roadmap for an AI-native economy.
“The Foundry is the epicenter for the orchestration of technology, making it the perfect backdrop to debut the ‘how’ of an AI-native enterprise. The industry is moving out of the phase where ‘made with AI’ is enough to drive interest; 2026 is about the maturity of the agentic workflow and the replacement of novelty with discernment,” said Wesley ter Haar, Chief AI Officer, Monks.
The company remains a top creative partner globally. It continues to solve critical business challenges through digital innovation. Attendees can visit the CES Foundry booth to see these interactive demos live. This presence marks a major shift in how brands interact with the world.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
Infleqtion is a global leader in neutral atom-based quantum technology. The company recently announced it will join the quantum track at CES 2026. This major event takes place from January 7 to January 10 in Las Vegas. Infleqtion will highlight how quantum sensing solves real-world problems. The firm also plans to go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp X soon.
The session is titled “Quantum is Now: Unprecedented Improvement in Precision & Sensitivity.” Paul Lipman, the Chief Revenue Officer, will represent the company. This presentation occurs on Tuesday, January 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will learn how quantum devices open new frontiers in many sectors. Key areas include medical imaging, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring.
“CES is the premier global stage for the intersection of innovation and real-world impact,” said Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion. “We’re proud to have Paul representing our team by showcasing the practical applications of quantum and how it’s already transforming industries, particularly in sensing. It’s an important opportunity to demonstrate the commercial readiness of quantum technologies to the world’s most forward-thinking business leaders.”
Mr. Lipman added that this topic goes far beyond hypotheticals. He noted that quantum precision solves issues in national security and space.
Expanding Quantum Sensing for Global Industries
Infleqtion is growing its momentum in mission-critical applications. The firm also partnered with Voyager Technologies for space-based projects. They plan to put a quantum atomic clock on the International Space Station.
The company builds quantum computers and software for many institutions. Their portfolio includes inertial navigation and quantum RF systems. Infleqtion remains the partner of choice for those seeking advanced capabilities. Their work continues to bridge academic research with engineered systems.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
Rezolve Ai has officially introduced its innovative SQD revenue model to the global market. This new financial framework stands for Search, Query, and Deposit. It marks a major shift in how the company monetizes its AI technology. The model is backed by existing enterprise customers. The model focuses on high-intent interactions within the digital commerce space. It allows the firm to capture value from every stage of the buyer journey. This change supports sustainable long-term growth.
The SQD revenue model is designed to address evolving retail and digital commerce needs. Currently, businesses do not only need subscription-based services to meet their needs. This system tracks when users search for products or ask specific questions. Secondly, it monitors the depositing of money or making payments by customers. This approach ensures that Rezolve Ai derives revenue from its performance. They market this approach as a performance-driven platform, unlike pricing.
“The SQD model is a game-changer for Rezolve Ai and the broader AI industry. It moves us beyond traditional SaaS metrics into a performance-based era,” said Daniel M. Wagner, CEO of Rezolve Ai. “By tying our success directly to the value we create for our partners, we are setting a new standard,” Wagner added.
Driving Innovation in Digital Commerce and AI
The company continues to lead in the field of conversational commerce. Their brainpowa technology helps brands engage with shoppers in real time. The SQD revenue model will apply to various global retail partners. These partners benefit from increased conversion rates and better customer insights. Rezolve Ai remains committed to transparency and ethical data practices. This focus helps build strong relationships with large enterprise clients. The new model will likely attract more investors to the growing platform. It demonstrates a clear path toward significant global revenue generation. Firm plans to expand this model across all its active markets soon. This launch strengthens the company’s positioning in AI-driven digital commerce.
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News Source: GlobeNewswire.com
ECER.com has implemented rapid innovations to support global SME expansion through mobile-first platforms and AI-driven solutions. This online site empowers small and medium-sized enterprises businesses that grow efficiently. Most importantly, it combines AI analysis capabilities and mobile accessibility that assist entrepreneurs in making informed and fast decision-making processes.
Driving SME Growth Through AI and Mobile Innovation
Innovation Strategy at ECER.com The innovation strategy employed at ECER.com helps the SMEs optimize & streamline their business, & interact. With more customers, they & extend the reach of their business to various countries with less overhead in terms of resource utilization. What this means is that, with the innovation strategy used at ECER.com, business optimization. New markets are accessible with less overhead in resource utilization. Artificial intelligence helps SMEs identify trends, enabling them to improve decision-making and enhance overall product delivery and market responsiveness.
Meanwhile, the mobile-first strategy ensures functionality for smartphones as well as tablets. Therefore, one is able to manage from anywhere. The use of advanced analytics and automation is also featured on ECER.com. This alleviates pressure on groups concerning manual tasks. Additionally, they are able to focus on aggressive growth management and planning. Innovation emerging from the circles of ECER.com plays. A pivotal role in making the company one of the primary enablers for the digital transformation of SMEs. As mobile and AI adoption increase among small enterprises, continued innovation is expected across business operations and digital growth strategies. Exploiting the scalability of ECER.com will be responsible for its rapid growth on the global platform.
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News Source: EINPresswire.com
Ubicquia recently announced the appointment of Matthew B. Brady as its Chief Revenue Officer. He will lead the company’s global market strategy and sales execution. This leadership change aims to drive growth in utility, municipal, and enterprise markets. Brady will also supervise customer success initiatives for the leader in intelligent infrastructure.
The new executive brings over 25 years of leadership experience to the role. He previously served as the CEO of EvidenceIQ. Before that, he was the Chief Revenue Officer of VaaS. Motorola Solutions acquired VaaS for $445 million during his tenure there. Brady also held a senior role at Federal Signal Corporation. His background includes expertise in the telecom, security, and public safety sectors.
Ubicquia offers platforms for smart grids and intelligent lighting. The company helps cities improve energy efficiency and public safety. Brady’s experience scaling businesses will be vital to achieving these goals.
Ian Aaron, CEO of Ubicquia, stated:
“Matthew is a dynamic sales leader with a proven track record of scaling businesses and delivering exceptional results. His expertise in building high-performing teams and forging strategic partnerships will be instrumental as we expand our smart grid, intelligent lighting, and public safety platforms worldwide.”
Matthew Brady expressed excitement about joining the world-class team. He looks forward to expanding the company’s reach both domestically and internationally. He believes the company’s solutions are redefining modern infrastructure.
Matthew Brady added:
“The company’s intelligent infrastructure solutions are redefining how hundreds of cities, utilities, and enterprises drive energy efficiency, improve reliability, and enhance public safety. I look forward to broadening our go-to-market strategies and expanding our teams to deliver even greater value for our customers and partners.”
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News Source: PRNewswire.com