Rakuten Rewards recently announced the promotion of Carl Lurie Kalapesi to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). He has served as the Senior Vice President of Revenue since early 2024. In his new position, he will be responsible for all the revenue and commercial functions. This also includes sales, go-to-market, and site merchandising. He also plans to emphasize the transformation of the business and the company. He has been recognized for his major impact on the top-line business performance.
Driving Innovation in Performance Marketing
As the SVP at his previous company, Lurie Kalapesi has also implemented various successful growth initiatives. He initiated the launch of the Programmatic Loyalty solution, which uses AI technology. This platform triggers personal rewards through the real-time activity of customers. Additionally, he has also expanded business partnerships to other industries such as the travel industry and the finance industry. These efforts have strengthened the value proposition for brand partners. He aims to make the platform an indispensable marketing tool.
“Carl brings a unique blend of media, advertising, and technology expertise, and possesses a deep understanding of the dynamic priorities of modern marketers. His appointment as chief commercial officer officially recognizes his profound impact and leadership at Rakuten Rewards,” said Amit Patel, chief executive officer of Rakuten Rewards and Rakuten International.
“I’m honored to officially step into this role as we work to solidify our position as an indispensable partner in delivering value to our partners and as the most rewarding way for our members to shop,” said Lurie Kalapesi.
Before joining the firm, Lurie Kalapesi held leadership roles at FreeWheel and Yahoo!. He helped double revenue and reach profitability at his previous companies. Now, he will use that experience to scale Rakuten’s operations globally. The company remains the largest cash-back platform in its category. They have provided over $4.6 billion in rewards since 1999. This move ensures the brand remains a leader in digital marketing.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
