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Monster Hands Over at GMI
Founder and CEO Rob Monster is to leave the helm of panels and software provider GMI, to pursue other interests. Monster will continue to serve as a board member and will participate in the selection of a new CEO, while the Chairman's role is taken by Enrique Godreau III, current GMI board member and MD of one of its major investors Voyager Capital.
Monster founded GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.) in 1999 and led it through rapid growth – it has more than doubled its turnover each year with current sales of c.$55m, employs more than 300 staff and has 1,400 customers in 60 countries including 21 of the world's 25 largest MR firms.
Monster, who is the company's largest individual shareholder with around 30%, comments: 'I will continue to serve as an active board member while making more time for other interests, as well as a number of emerging opportunities that have caught my entrepreneurial eye.' He describes GMI as 'a great company that has been setting the pace in a fast-growing and fast-changing global industry' and adds: 'I am proud of the company's achievements and of the men and women who have been part of this significant entrepreneurial success story.'
Awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific Northwest region, technology & software category), in 2005, Monster is described by Godreau as 'a dynamic visionary within the market research industry'. He has a fascination with research and the potential for using technology and ideas to transform it, and sources suggest the 'emerging opportunities' may involve the use of the Internet to help smaller research firms develop global capabilities – however, as yet he has given no further details of his plans.
Godreau says recruitment for a new CEO is underway. In the meantime, the transition leadership team includes current Chief Technology Officer Mitch Eggers, Ph.D. and Larry Schack, Ph.D., who adds the role of interim Chief Revenue Officer to his existing duties as President for the Americas.
GMI's web site is at www.gmi-mr.com .
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