Penton Recruits Richard Stanton into New Role of Chief Data Officer

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Penton, the largest privately held professional information services company in North America, today announced it has recruited Richard Stanton to fill the newly created position of Chief Data Officer.  In this role as Penton's most senior data executive, Stanton will drive maximum value from the Company's data assets and spearhead development of new data products.  This work will add to Penton's existing $100MM digital business, which is already experiencing double digit growth.

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Stanton brings a unique combination of skills that incorporate technical, operational and leadership experience with a deep understanding of data products and digital initiatives.  He will join Penton's Executive Committee and will report to David Kieselstein, Penton's CEO.

Penton is currently aggressively building on its data and digital product momentum by launching a slate of new products in the fourth quarter.  Examples include:  

• NEXT: A unique data and analytics solutions tool for the natural products industry that provides the earliest identification of new trends of any industry source by utilizing Penton's proprietary new product launch database.
• Govalytics:  A SAAS intelligence tool that provides municipal budgetary data analytics, capital projects information and government official contact information to let companies optimize their sales and marketing efforts into local governments.
• EquipmentWatch:  A unique API that provides analytical insights into industrial construction equipment rental, purchasing and usage.
• Ac-U-Kwik: A flight-planning tablet and smartphone APP for business aviation pilots

A recognized thought leader who has worked with numerous Fortune 1000 companies and start-ups, Stanton has a proven track record of ensuring a solid strategic direction and accelerating significant revenue growth. He has played a key role in growing multiple start-ups and led the company that produced the first semantic classifieds aggregation service.  He was also instrumental in staffing, technical leadership and the creation of an extensive reorganization of one of the largest mapping data sets in the navigation industry.  In addition, he has advised the federal government on key critical data initiatives.  Stanton currently serves on the advisory board of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Information Technology and Web Science School.  Stanton joins Penton from Avagen Ventures, where he led advisory engagements in the areas of Technology, Big Data, Team Building and Operations.   

"Data is a strategic asset for Penton.  Our data business is already $100 million plus and growing double digits with excellent margins.  With a team comprised of more than 50 developers, data scientists, engineers, product managers, UI/UX, SEO and design experts in place we are committed to all aspects of data," said Kieselstein. "Richard's deep knowledge of technology and business acumen will help Penton create a clear plan to leverage our data and launch new solutions that make our seven million professional users more successful."

Penton is the leader in providing professional information, networking, and decision solutions in five growth sectors including transportation, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing and natural products and food. In each industry Penton engages users with ideas, data insights and information to help them do their jobs more effectively and efficiently -- ultimately growing their business.

About Penton

For millions of business owners and decision-makers, Penton makes the difference every day. We engage our professional users by providing actionable ideas and insights, data and workflow tools, community and networking, both in person and virtually, all with deep relevance to their specific industries. We then activate this engagement by connecting users with tens of thousands of targeted providers of products and services to help drive business growth. Learn more about our company at www.penton.com.

Penton is a privately held company owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kate Spellman
SVP, Marketing
Penton

212 204 4351
[email protected]

SOURCE Penton