Merkle CEO David Williams Steps Down

David Williams, CEO of Merkle for more than 32 years, has stepped down from the role, and has been succeeded by long-time company exec Craig Dempster. Williams will continue as Merkle's Chairman, while remaining CEO, Global CRM Group for parent company Dentsu Aegis Network.

Williams began his career at investment bank Butcher & Singer and then acquired Merkle in 1988, becoming its 24th employee. He has since helped expand the company to one with more than 9,600 employees in the US, Europe and Asia, now owned by marcoms group Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) with annual revenue of more than $1.0bn. Under Williams' leadership, the firm has focused on acquiring business in areas including data, brand commerce, customer experience, performance marketing, social media and mobile. Williams now sits on DAN's Global Executive Committee and is also Chairman of its Americas business.

Dempster takes over the CEO role after fourteen years at Merkle, the past three spent overseeing all aspects of its North American operation, including sales, account management, solutions, services and marketing. He has also been responsible for driving P&L for Merkle Americas, representing more than 80% of the agency's revenue and employee base; and for the discovery, vetting and management of acquisitions. Prior to joining Merkle, Dempster had a long career at Metromail, and then Experian (which acquired Metromail in the late 1990s).

As global CEO, Dempster will oversee the entire organization across thirteen countries, including its most recent acquisitions, Media Storm, Digital Pi and 4Cite. In addition, he will assume responsibility for leading Dentsu Aegis Network brands within the CRM line of business, notably 360i, gyro and Cardinal Path. Williams comments: 'Craig has been a crucial leader in the success we've seen with Merkle over the past fourteen years, and I'm confident in his ability to lead our employees and clients through this time of disruption and into the future. I cannot think of a person more qualified and deserving of the position'.

Web site: www.merkleinc.com .