Global data firm Acxiom of Conway has named John Watkins as chief operating officer.
Watkins brings more than 20 years of experience in the data and technology industry to the job. In past roles, he has led complex operations strategies and guided multifaceted teams. Before joining Acxiom, he spent 15 years at Merkle Inc. in roles including COO and global chief transformation officer.
This strategic addition to Acxiom’s executive leadership team underscores its commitment to elevating its global operational capabilities for more robust scaling, innovative breakthroughs, and transformative growth. Watkins will report to CEO Chad Engelgau.
In a news release, Acxiom said Watkins will focus on four initiatives in his new role:
- Collaborating with Acxiom’s executive leaders to create and implement the company’s operational vision, strategy, and goals while ensuring these objectives remain aligned with the organizational mission
- Launching a new business unit focused on standardizing, automating, and globalizing operations throughout the enterprise
- Spearheading key projects and integrating methodologies to pinpoint operational opportunities, overcome challenges, and enhance profitability
- Overseeing Acxiom’s day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and effective performance and core objectives are consistently achieved
“Welcoming John signals a bold reimagining of how Acxiom operates,” CEO Chad Engelgau said in statement. “His vision, team spirit, and unmatched operational leadership are precisely what Acxiom needs to take us to the next level. With John on board, we’re not just looking to the horizon, but aiming to redefine it.”
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