Riskified, a leader in e-commerce fraud prevention, and Appriss Retail, a top provider of returns and authorization claims solutions, have announced a pioneering partnership aimed at transforming the retail sector. This collaboration addresses the growing challenges of fraud and abuse in omnichannel commerce by combining data-driven insights on consumer shopping behavior across both physical stores and online platforms. The goal is to deliver real-time protection and create a seamless, safe shopping experience for customers, while minimizing risks for retailers.

Key Aspects of the Riskified and Appriss Retail Partnership

1. Omnichannel Protection Against Fraud

• The partnership integrates Riskified's fraud prevention technology with Appriss Retail's returns and claims solutions to protect merchants across both online and in-store channels.
• Retailers can now prevent fraudulent returns and abusive claims, addressing issues from purchase to return seamlessly.

2. 360-Degree Customer View

• This joint solution gives retailers a comprehensive, omnichannel view of customer behavior, enabling consistent decision-making across the entire shopping journey.
• By combining insights from both online and offline channels, retailers can ensure accurate and informed actions that enhance the customer experience.

3. Reduced Losses and Overhead

• The integrated solution reduces the overhead of managing fraud prevention separately across different platforms, streamlining workflows and limiting potential losses from return and refund abuse.
• Merchants can also minimize the risks of fraudulent claims by obtaining real-time data on customers' purchase behavior, thus improving the overall security of their operations.

4. Improved Customer Experience

• With a unified view of the customer's identity and shopping patterns, retailers can offer a superior experience, ensuring that policies are clear and consistent, ultimately fostering customer trust and satisfaction.
• This holistic approach not only enhances security but also improves customer retention and satisfaction, boosting sales and profits.

5. Addressing the Scale of Return Fraud

• The partnership aims to address the staggering $394 billion cost of returns, refunds, and exchanges for retailers in key e-commerce markets.
• According to recent research, only 30% of merchants have strategies in place to prevent fraudulent returns, making this collaboration essential for retailers to stay competitive and secure.

The partnership between Riskified and Appriss Retail represents a game-changing development in the fight against omnichannel fraud and abuse. By combining cutting-edge fraud prevention technology with a holistic view of consumer behavior, the two companies offer retailers a powerful tool to protect their revenue, reduce fraud, and enhance the overall customer experience. This innovation is set to redefine how retailers approach fraud prevention in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Daversa Partners, a premier executive search firm known for building leadership teams in the technology industry, has announced the promotion of Lyndy Adamonis, Tara Cremin, Megan Daversa, Jodie Salzberg, and Ava Talbott to Managing Directors. With nearly five decades of combined experience, these five leaders have earned their roles through consistent performance, building strong networks, and fostering partnerships that drive outstanding company results.

Key Contributions and Areas of Expertise

1. Lyndy Adamonis: Championing Consumer Tech Leadership

• A trusted partner to companies like Chime and DoorDash, Lyndy specializes in high-level executive roles such as CEO, COO, and General Management.
• Her deep network and expertise in consumer technology have positioned her as a go-to leader for top-tier leadership placements.

2. Tara Cremin: Excellence in Product, GTM, and Operations

• Tara's focus spans across industries, helping organizations like Hadrian and Watershed secure top talent for roles in Product, GTM, and Operations.
• Her experience and consistent results have cemented her as a leading figure in the executive search space.

3. Megan Daversa: Leading Executive Expansion in CoreWeave

• Megan has specialized in Enterprise Technology, Marketing, Finance, and People searches, helping companies like CoreWeave and DraftKings expand their executive teams.
• She has a proven track record of enabling high-growth companies to scale successfully with strategic leadership placements.

4. Jodie Salzberg: Expertise in Consumer, Wellness, and Healthcare

• Co-leading the Miami office, Jodie excels in the consumer, wellness, and healthcare sectors, working with notable brands like Harry’s and Warby Parker.
• Her industry knowledge and focus on leadership development in these sectors have driven transformative results for her clients.

5. Ava Talbott: Building Cross-Functional Teams in Healthcare

• Ava is known for her ability to build strong, cross-functional leadership teams, particularly in high-growth healthcare companies like Oura and Benchling.
• Her keen understanding of the healthcare innovation space positions her as a key partner for health-tech disruptors.

The Shared Vision and Impact

These Managing Directors share a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within their clients’ industries, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes. Their collective ability to identify and nurture top-tier talent has been pivotal in accelerating the growth of market leaders and industry disruptors. Their promotions underscore their impact in shaping the future of companies driving growth and innovation.

Looking Ahead

Paul Daversa, founder and CEO of Daversa Partners, expressed his excitement about the new leadership appointments. “These five extraordinary executives didn’t just earn their spot—they claimed it by delivering results that redefine success. They’ve played a crucial role in shaping the future of some of the most disruptive companies of our generation, and their leadership will continue to elevate Daversa in a highly competitive executive search market.”

The promotion of Lyndy Adamonis, Tara Cremin, Megan Daversa, Jodie Salzberg, and Ava Talbott to Managing Directors signals Daversa Partners’ commitment to its position as a leader in executive search. Their collective expertise will continue to shape the leadership teams of tomorrow’s disruptors, solidifying Daversa’s reputation for delivering exceptional, transformative results.

EX.CO, the machine-learning video platform trusted by leading media groups globally, has announced a significant expansion of its ad server to support new channels beyond online video. The innovative multichannel programmatic solution now empowers connected TV (CTV) and digital-out-of-home (DOOH) media owners to maximize revenue through automated, smarter ad auctions.

Addressing Industry Challenges with Smart Technology

For the past 12 months, EX.CO has conducted extensive research and development to refine its technology, tackling the unique challenges faced by CTV and DOOH environments. Fragmented technologies, outdated auction dynamics, and inefficient programmatic systems have created substantial revenue gaps for media owners in these sectors. The EX.CO Ad Server solves these problems by offering a unified, intelligent solution that optimizes revenue generation.

Key Features of the EX.CO Ad Server

1. Real-Time Auction Optimization

• EX.CO’s Ad Server leverages advanced machine-learning algorithms to dynamically optimize auctions in real-time.
• This cutting-edge approach eliminates reliance on outdated, rule-based or manual decision-making, offering a more efficient, automated method for achieving optimal auction results.

2. Proprietary Yield Engine

• The technology is powered by EX.CO’s proprietary yield engine, originally developed for its award-winning online video platform (OVP).
• This engine processes vast amounts of data to identify the highest-performing demand sources and adjusts pricing dynamically, ensuring maximum revenue potential.

3. Tailored for CTV and DOOH

• With its focus on CTV and DOOH, the ad server has been adapted to meet the specific needs of these emerging channels.
• The solution analyzes multiple data dimensions for each auction, modifying CPMs in real-time to ensure the best possible outcomes.

A Game-Changer for Media Owners

EX.CO’s Ad Server is transforming ad sales by simplifying processes, increasing fill rates, and maximizing revenue. By automating auctions and optimizing revenue opportunities across CTV and DOOH, media owners can scale their operations more efficiently. Early tests with select CTV and DOOH clients have shown promising results, highlighting the ad server’s adaptability and effectiveness in these evolving sectors.

CEO's Perspective on the Innovation

"We discovered that the programmatic bid stream, originally designed for the web, presents significant complexities when applied in other environments," said Tom Pachys, co-founder and CEO at EX.CO. "Our ad server overcomes these complexities by using real-time machine learning to deliver smarter, automated auctions, ensuring media owners get the best outcomes without relying on outdated systems."

EX.CO’s expanded ad server represents a breakthrough in programmatic advertising for CTV and DOOH. By combining machine learning, real-time optimization, and a unified solution, it allows media owners to unlock greater revenue potential, streamline ad sales, and gain a competitive edge in these growing channels.

Ripley PR, a leading public relations agency specializing in the home service and skilled trades industries, has achieved a significant milestone by being named a Strategic Partner by Nexstar Network. Nexstar Network is a prominent member-owned organization that fosters business growth and development for home service companies across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

1. Strategic Partnership with Nexstar Network

   • Ripley PR is now a preferred PR vendor for Nexstar Network's 1,000+ members in the residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades.
   • Nexstar Network's Strategic Partner program aims to connect members with top-tier resources, services, and relationships.

2. Nexstar's Perspective on the Partnership

   • Julian Scadden, President and CEO of Nexstar Network, highlighted Ripley PR’s strong industry reputation and alignment with Nexstar's mission.
   • Nexstar carefully vets its Strategic Partners to ensure members receive the highest quality services.

3. Ripley PR’s Services and Expertise

   • Ripley PR specializes in media relations, crisis management, and content strategies to drive business growth.
   • The agency focuses on creating brand awareness and building positive reputations for home service contractors within their local markets.

4. Comments from Heather Ripley, CEO of Ripley PR

   • Heather Ripley emphasized the synergy between Ripley PR's and Nexstar's missions.
   • The partnership aims to provide home service businesses with tools to grow their brands and boost revenues.
   • Ripley PR plans to leverage Nexstar’s coaching and training programs alongside its PR expertise to deliver exceptional results for contractors.

The partnership between Ripley PR and Nexstar Network is poised to drive significant benefits for home service businesses. By combining Ripley PR's specialized public relations services with Nexstar’s coaching and training, members can expect to enhance their brand visibility and achieve sustainable growth.

Integral Ad Science (IAS), a global leader in media measurement and optimization, announced the departure of Tania Secor as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the appointment of Jill Putman as Interim CFO. The transition is effective immediately as IAS begins its search for a permanent CFO.

1. Leadership Transition

   • Tania Secor, who served as CFO for two years, has stepped down to pursue new opportunities.
   • Jill Putman, an IAS Board member since 2021 and former Chair of the Audit Committee, has been appointed Interim CFO.
   • IAS is actively searching for a new permanent CFO to lead its finance organization.

2. IAS Financial Outlook

   • IAS reiterated its revenue and adjusted EBITDA outlook for Q4 and the full year 2024, consistent with its November 12, 2024, financial results release.

3. Leadership Remarks

   • Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS, thanked Ms. Secor for her contributions and expressed enthusiasm about Jill Putman’s appointment, citing her 30+ years of finance leadership, including her tenure as CFO of Jamf Holding Corp.
   • Jill Putman expressed her commitment to leading IAS’s finance team and leveraging her extensive financial expertise to drive the company’s growth and innovation.

4. Changes in Board Positions

   • Jill Putman will retain her position as a member of the IAS Board but has stepped down as Chair and member of the Audit Committee.
   • Bob Lord, a current IAS Board member, has been appointed as the new Chair and member of the Audit Committee.

This leadership transition marks a strategic step for IAS as it prepares for a period of growth and innovation. With Jill Putman’s extensive finance expertise and first-hand knowledge of IAS, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering on its financial goals and strategic objectives.

Marketing has evolved, and not necessarily for the better. Modern marketing teams face the challenge of fixing broken systems, grappling with unhelpful data, and constantly chasing the latest tools without a solid strategy in place. Enter Seventh Bear, a groundbreaking marketing consultancy focused on freeing teams from mundane tasks and empowering them to create bold, transformative ideas that drive business success.

Officially launching on January 2, 2025, Seventh Bear is the evolution of The Content Advisory (TCA), a renowned content strategy consultancy led by industry experts Robert Rose and Cathy McKnight. The new consultancy builds on TCA's legacy while addressing the broader challenges modern marketing teams face.

1. The Need for a New Approach to Marketing

   • Modern marketing teams often find themselves bogged down with fixing outdated systems and dealing with misleading analytics.
   • Technology, especially AI, is often seen as a shiny new toy that’s difficult to use effectively, creating more complexity rather than solving problems.
   • Seventh Bear aims to free teams from this cycle, focusing on creative strategy and the execution of game-changing ideas.

2. The Vision of Robert Rose and Cathy McKnight

   • Robert Rose, the founder of Seventh Bear and Chief Strategy Advisor to the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), shared his thoughts on marketing’s current crisis.
   • He emphasized that marketing teams are too often stuck fixing broken systems when they should be focusing on innovation and creativity.
   • Cathy McKnight, co-founder, highlighted the importance of mastering repeatable systems that foster creativity, as big ideas don’t occur by chance.

3. Seventh Bear's Continued Partnership with CMI

   • Seventh Bear remains the primary marketing consulting partner for the Content Marketing Institute (CMI), signaling their ongoing commitment to advancing the marketing industry.
   • This relationship strengthens Seventh Bear’s position as a thought leader and trusted partner in the marketing landscape.

4. The Meaning Behind the Name “Seventh Bear”

   • The name Seventh Bear symbolizes wisdom and direction. In numerology, seven represents wisdom, while the bear constellation (the Big Dipper) points to the North Star, a symbol of purpose and guidance.
   • Seventh Bear's mission is to guide marketing teams towards their own North Star, providing practical strategies and creative collaboration that help them thrive in a complex, ever-changing world.

Seventh Bear is poised to lead the next generation of marketing consultancies by helping teams move beyond managing mundane tasks and embracing creativity and strategic thinking. With its foundation in content strategy and a forward-thinking approach to modern marketing challenges, Seventh Bear will empower teams to create impactful, game-changing ideas that drive success.

Alibaba International’s AI-powered B2B search engine, Accio, has reached a major milestone with over 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) users since its launch in November 2024. Designed to streamline product sourcing, Accio uses advanced natural language processing to help SMEs intuitively find the products they need, simplifying the global trade process.

1. AI-Enhanced Product Sourcing

   • Accio utilizes natural language processing to improve search capabilities, making it easier for SME buyers to find the right products.
   • With over 7,600 product categories and more than 200 million trade industry-specific parameters, the search engine catalogs millions of global suppliers.
   • The AI-powered platform’s advanced search helps buyers discover the best matches for their product concepts, creating opportunities for successful business ventures.

2. Accio Inspiration and Conversion Success

   • The Accio Inspiration feature has contributed to a nearly 30% increase in conversion rates for suppliers, enhancing the journey from search to quotation requests.
   • This feature’s success showcases Accio’s effectiveness in boosting supplier visibility and creating connections that drive sales.

3. Holiday Season Surge and User Feedback

   • During peak e-commerce seasons like Black Friday and Christmas, over 50,000 SMEs used Accio to source products, contributing to efficient inventory stocking.
   • Positive user feedback demonstrates that Accio has become an essential tool for global SME buyers seeking fast, reliable sourcing solutions.
   • The platform boasts an impressive net promoter score (NPS) exceeding 50, a strong indicator of customer satisfaction.

4. Accio’s Growing Recognition and Innovation

   • On December 13, 2024, Accio was named “Product of the Day” on Product Hunt, further solidifying its reputation in the tech community.
   • The shift from traditional keyword-based searches to natural language searches represents a significant breakthrough in B2B search technology.
   • Accio supports five major languages (English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish), with plans for future language updates to reach even more global users.

5. Accio’s Additional Features and Benefits

   • The Accio Page offers a user-friendly interface, displaying detailed product information and comparisons to help businesses make informed sourcing decisions.
   • Accio Agent simplifies the follow-up process for inquiries, payments, and after-sales support, acting as a professional sourcing agent within Alibaba International's ecosystem.

6. The Future of B2B Trade with AI

   • Accio marks a pivotal moment in the development of AI tools and global B2B trade, empowering SMEs and large corporations to efficiently navigate sourcing and logistics operations.
   • As AI continues to reshape the landscape of global trade, Accio is set to lead the charge in revolutionizing how businesses source products, saving time and money while making smarter decisions.

With over 500,000 users and groundbreaking features, Accio is redefining B2B product sourcing. Alibaba International’s AI-powered platform is poised to revolutionize the way SMEs and corporations engage with global trade, helping them save time, reduce costs, and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Swoop, a leader in privacy-safe, AI-driven healthcare marketing, is set to demonstrate its award-winning suite of products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Known for advancing data consistency, privacy compliance, and predictive engagement, Swoop’s innovative tools have already helped top pharma brands reshape their patient and healthcare provider (HCP) engagement strategies, offering a new level of personalization for their audiences.

1. Swoop's Award-Winning Products

   • Predictive Audiences:

     • Winner of the PM360 Innovation Award, Predictive Audiences utilizes patented technology to help healthcare marketers identify patients in need of intervention before they visit their physician, with 97% accuracy.
     • This predictive capability allows brands to intervene earlier, improving patient outcomes and enhancing marketing strategies.

   • HCP Pro Suite:

     • Another PM360 Innovation Award winner, the HCP Pro Suite offers a comprehensive toolkit that includes Swoop HCP Pro Targeting and Swoop PLD Pro Reporting.
     • These tools help healthcare brands deeply understand healthcare provider behaviors, optimizing targeting and messaging across omnichannel campaigns.

   • Swoop Piper Gen AI Platform:

     • Recognized with a PM360 Innovation Award, the Swoop Piper Gen AI Platform allows marketers to simulate focus groups using privacy-safe AI assistants, offering custom insights into audiences.
     • This innovation accelerates decision-making and supports more effective omnichannel strategies by providing real-time, actionable data.

   • Swoop Agents for Brand Websites:

     • Honored with the 2024 CUSTOMER Conversational AI Excellence Award and the Innovation SABRE Awards North America, Swoop Agents power conversational AI on brand websites.
     • These agents engage patients and providers, offering MLR-approved product information and generating high-quality first-party data in real-time.

2. Exclusive Experiences at CES

   • Curated Pharma-Specific Walking Tour:

     • Swoop will offer an exclusive, private walking tour of CES exhibits with tech expert Shelly Palmer, focusing on consumer electronics trends relevant to healthcare marketers.

   • IV Hydration Station:

     • At Swoop's meeting suite at the Aria, an IV Hydration Station will provide a space for relaxation and networking, enhancing the CES experience for clients and partners.

   • Late Night Party at The Marquee:

     • Swoop will host a late-night event at The Marquee, bringing together healthcare industry leaders for discussions, networking, and valuable connections.

3. Swoop's Commitment to Innovation and Privacy

   • "Swoop’s unwavering commitment to transforming omnichannel healthcare marketing remains strong," said Scott Rines, President of Swoop.
   • The company’s innovations empower brands to engage their audiences in a meaningful way while ensuring privacy compliance across fragmented media channels.
   • Swoop looks forward to showcasing its tools and helping clients experience their full potential at CES.

With groundbreaking products and exclusive experiences, Swoop is set to redefine healthcare marketing at CES 2025. Through privacy-safe AI innovations, Swoop continues to lead the way in delivering personalized, predictive engagement solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.