Meltwater, a global leader in social, media, and consumer intelligence, announces the appointment of Chris Hackney as Chief Product Officer. With over 25 years of experience in technology and a track record of driving innovation for B2B SaaS companies, Hackney brings a wealth of expertise to lead Meltwater's product organization and strategic direction.

1. Strategic Leadership and Innovation:
   - In his new role, Chris Hackney will lead Meltwater's product organization, directing the strategic expansion and operation of the company's product portfolio.
   - With a focus on customer needs, Hackney will drive innovation and growth, leveraging his experience in developing and executing product strategies for B2B SaaS companies.

2. Proven Track Record of Success:
   - Hackney's career includes leadership roles in pioneering companies at the forefront of emerging technologies, such as Virtue, an early social SaaS pioneer acquired by Oracle.
   - He has also led product management teams at companies like Trendkite and Mercury Healthcare, driving growth and innovation in PR/Communications and healthcare CRM.

3. Commitment to Responsible AI and Innovation:
   - Hackney's most recent venture, AI Guardian, focused on AI governance and compliance, highlights his commitment to responsible innovation and addressing the complexities of emerging technologies.
   - At Meltwater, he will lead the execution of a product vision aligned with the company's core objectives, including industry-leading innovation and customer-centric product design.

4. Customer-Centric Approach:
   - Hackney emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding and delivering on the customer experience to drive innovation.
   - He aims to work closely with Meltwater's teams to engage with customers, learn from them, and ensure that products continue to set benchmarks for excellence and impact in the industry.

5. CEO's Perspective:
   - John Box, CEO of Meltwater, expresses excitement about Hackney joining the team, citing his proven track record in driving growth through product innovation and delivering exceptional solutions for customers.
   - Hackney's appointment reflects Meltwater's commitment to elevating its media, social, and consumer intelligence solutions to create more value for customers.

Chris Hackney's appointment as Chief Product Officer underscores Meltwater's dedication to driving innovation and customer-centric growth. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Hackney is poised to lead Meltwater's product organization towards delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide. His commitment to responsible innovation and customer engagement aligns with Meltwater's core values, positioning the company for continued success and leadership in the industry.