Catalina gains new CEO

Catalina brings in a new Chief Executive Officer in hopes that his background will put the company in a good position to grow.

The company announced it has named Gerald "Jerry" Sokol Jr. as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. A turnaround expert with diverse experience transforming businesses, restructuring debt and developing entrepreneurial executives, Sokol intends to swiftly accelerate Catalina's emergence as a digital leader that sits squarely at the intersection of marketing, analytics and technology, according to the company.

"Our board believes Jerry's experience and digital background, coupled with his demonstrated ability to solve strategic challenges, make him the right leader to transform Catalina and drive the company successfully into the future," said Josh Lutzker, Chairman of Catalina's Board of Directors.

Sokol has a proven track record in managing, restructuring and growing companies in rapidly evolving environments. His extensive expertise leading technology and consumer-focused companies spans operations, sales and marketing, and finance across a wide variety of markets, including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, Australia and Latin America.

From 2009-2013, first as Chief Financial Officer and then as Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertis Communications, one of the largest printing and targeted direct marketing companies in the U.S., Sokol successfully led the company through its restructuring.

Earlier in his career, Sokol spent 10 years at AOL, where he held numerous leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of International Operations and Strategy. In this role, he managed AOL's international joint ventures and oversaw product development and product marketing, marketing analysis, product pricing, distribution and strategic alliances.

"Catalina has the assets and positioning in the market to grow. It has a scalable and customer-focused business model that delivers highly personalized, precise marketing programs across channels that turn shoppers into buyers in a way that is differentiated, effective, and efficient," Sokol said. "The company's renewed commitment to innovation will provide retailers and brands with the best possible products to increase their financial returns. I am looking forward to leading the company as Catalina becomes an even more meaningful strategic partner delivering data-driven marketing solutions that help customers connect with consumers anytime, anywhere."