CHICAGO, March 3, 2008 – Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and market insights for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, announced today that Thomas E. Peterson, formerly General Manager of IBM’s Consumer Products Industry business, has joined the company as President of IRI Global Retail. Continuing IRI’s strong growth and Retail Practice momentum, Peterson will focus on defining and shaping advanced retail industry solutions and services, and go-to-market strategies for IRI.
“Tom brings a special level of expertise and history of generating growth that has earned him an outstanding reputation within the technology and business communities at large,” said IRI President and Chief Executive Officer John Freeland. “His experience will be invaluable as IRI continues to introduce new retail-oriented, high-value solutions that enable our CPG, retail, and healthcare clients to drive significant revenue and productivity growth.”
Peterson brings more than 25 years of experience coordinating and marketing IBM’s valued services and technology solutions to consumer products companies.
In his most recent position, he held P&L responsibility for a rapidly expanding $2 billion business within IBM. Among IBM’s CPG customers include The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft/Philip Morris, Pepsi, Procter and Gamble, and Unilever.
Prior to becoming General Manager of the Consumer Products Industry business, Peterson served from 2000 to 2005 as Worldwide General Manager of IBM’s Retail Store Solutions Division, responsible for manufacturing, development, sales, marketing and operations for IBM’s portfolio of total store solutions. During his tenure, the business grew from $800 million to $1.2 billion in revenues.
From 1978 to 2000, Peterson held multiple sales, marketing, general management and business operations positions within IBM. These included Worldwide General Manager, IBM Computer Services Industry (1999 to 2000); Vice President of Sales and marketing, IBM Americas Group, Retail Sector (1997 to 1999); IBM Director and Retail Industry Segment Manager, North America (1995 to 1997); IBM business Unit Executive and Brand Manager, Retail (1990 to 1995) in addition to several other positions.
Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota and an advanced management degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business.
“IRI has a well-deserved reputation for building strong client relationships, maintaining exceptional expertise within the retail community and innovating industry-leading solutions,” said Peterson. “I’m eager to leverage my IBM experience to accelerate IRI’s growth and innovation as well as work closely with IRI customers and the worldwide IRI organization.”
About Information Resources, Inc.
Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world’s leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights, empowering consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare companies to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving breakthrough growth in the industries it serves, the company’s portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence, and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, visit: www.infores.com.
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IRI CONTACTS:
John McIndoe
E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com
Phone: (312) 474-3862
Fax: (312) 474-2512