LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV)—Acxiom Corporation of Little Rock is looking for a new leader.
But will the company, which employs more than 2,000 Arkansans, find someone who can lead them into the digital age?
Acxiom’s search for a new CEO comes after former CEO John Meyer left the company a week and half ago.
Neither Acxiom nor Meyer has given any reason for Meyer’s quick resignation.
But Meyer’s departure, along with word of another executive’s planned exit and millions in write-downs—has trimmed the company’s share price.
So what is Acxiom looking for in a new chief executive? Analysts say the company should be on the lookout for a leader who can move the company from its direct-marketing mail approach, into the new digital world—where consumers are more likely to be reached via the Internet, social media, smart-phones, tablet computers and mobile apps.
And while the data services firm’s board of directors will probably look outside the company for a new CEO, there are candidates to consider inside the company as well.
A report by BMO capital markets says internal candidates could include COO John Adams, Chief Sales Officer Shawn Donovan and board member Clark Kokich.
As for Meyer, another analyst tells Arkansas Business, the executive helped get the company on the right track after long-time CEO Charles Morgan left.
What’s needed now, is a new leader to take the firm, its 6,800 workers, and its shareholders to the next level.