BOSTON, August 3, 2011 – Optaros, an innovative eCommerce services and solutions provider, today announced that Rob Willms has been appointed president and chief executive officer. Willms brings more than 20 years of senior, global leadership experience with Internet services and technology companies to Optaros.
Founded in 2004, Optaros has empowered some of the world’s most recognized brands to deliver innovative online experiences that result in increased conversions and revenues. Willms will lead the company as it builds momentum helping leading retailers accelerate growth through innovative eCommerce business models, including private-sale sites, group buying, gamification, and community- and content-driven commerce.
“Rob is a seasoned business and operations executive with a broad range of experience and a track record of building successful ventures,” said Larry Bohn, managing director, General Catalyst Partners, a co-investor in Optaros. “We are fortunate to name him CEO, as his experience leading companies through rapid growth will help us scale Optaros to meet the demands of leading, innovative retailers in these disruptive times.”
Willms’ experience includes three years as founder and chief executive officer at digitalArbor, an innovative digital production services company, and ten years at Digitas, an integrated strategy, technology and digital agency service provider to leading global companies. While at the company, he held a variety of leadership positions, including president of the Digitas Boston Region, global head of strategy and enablement services, and most recently executive vice president, Digitas Inc. In this role, he was responsible for building alternative business models, and led the creation of the company’s successful production services division, Prodigious. Prior to Digitas, Willms held senior positions at Bain & Company, where he helped build strategic consulting practices focused on customer relationship management (CRM) technology and marketing strategy.
“With instant access to digital content across an expanding array of devices and social influence platforms, consumer requirements are quickly outpacing many retailers’ ability to deliver value online,” commented Willms. “I am eagerly looking forward to leading Optaros through its next growth phase, as we help a wide range of clients embrace the power of agile commerce and consumer-focused, value-driven solutions. I am thrilled to work with Optaros’ global team to address the demands of the evolving eCommerce marketplace.”
As chief executive officer, Willms will also serve as a member of the board of directors. Founder and former chief executive officer, Bob Gett, will remain on the Optaros board as chairman.
About Optaros
Optaros (http://www.Optaros.com) delivers proven services and solutions to leading brands, driving measurable revenue improvement by bringing innovative commerce initiatives to market quickly. The Optaros global solution is comprised of a flexible and open technology platform, business enablement services, creative design capabilities and next-generation retail expertise.
By implementing agile commerce strategies that combine content, commerce and community, Optaros’ clients—including Macy’s, Rue La La, Joss & Main and McKesson—have achieved dramatic business results by embracing changing buyer behaviors in an increasingly mobile and social world.
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