New CEO for Shopper Intelligence Firm Catalina

Shopper intelligence specialist Catalina has hired Wayne Powers as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Jerry Sokol, who will continue as a Strategic Advisor during the transition period.

Powers (pictured) joins with nearly three decades of experience in media, marketing and global operations. Most recently he served as President of shopper targeting firm Valassis, having previously been President of online ad tech business Gravity4, and President of Parade Media Group. Earlier, he worked for Yahoo! as SVP North America and as President of Time Inc's Media Group.

He replaces Sokol, who joined a year ago after serving as CFO at transport operator Amtrak, and with a background that includes a decade at AOL in roles including EVP of International Operations and Strategy. He also worked at printing and direct marketing firm Vertis Communications, which he led through restructuring as CFO and then CEO and President.

Gene Davis, Chairman of Catalina's Board of Directors, comments: 'Under Jerry's leadership, Catalina has strengthened its leadership team, completed a comprehensive financial restructuring that significantly enhanced the company's financial profile by reducing debt by 85%, and accelerated investments in areas critical to the digital marketing ecosystem, including advanced analytics, personalization and measurement. These innovations are already powering new digital products and solutions for customers, and we are confident Wayne and team will accelerate Catalina's growth'.

Web site: www.catalina.com .