Vann York Auto Group Acquires Hyundai, Kia Stores
In March, Vann York Automotive Group bought the Hyundai and Kia dealerships in High Point, North Carolina, expanding its footprint to eight rooftops and 11 franchises. Group president Greg York emphasized that scale improves human‑resources, compliance and finance capabilities, while still preserving a family‑business culture. The acquisition adds two technology‑rich, affordable brands that attract younger buyers, complementing Vann York’s existing Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Chevrolet‑Buick‑GMC locations. York says growth will stay geographically focused to avoid becoming too large.
Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch Signals IPO Readiness as AI Agents Fuel Revenue Surge
Vercel’s annual recurring revenue surged from $100 million at the start of 2024 to a $340 million run rate by February 2026, driven by a wave of AI‑generated apps. CEO Guillermo Rauch told investors the company operates like a public firm and is...
Hillman Solutions Acquires Delaney Hardware
Hillman Solutions Corp. announced the acquisition of Delaney Hardware, a U.S. supplier of door and builder's hardware for residential, multifamily and commercial construction. The deal adds a robust pro‑distribution platform and expands Hillman's product categories. Hillman projects more than $10 million...
Qlik CEO: ‘Trusted Data Foundation’ For AI Is The Theme At This Week’s Connect Event
Qlik CEO Mike Capone told CRN that a trusted data foundation is essential for successful AI, especially agentic AI that automates decisions. He highlighted that 86% of AI projects miss ROI because companies skip end‑to‑end data preparation. Qlik has invested...
Leading At Race Speed: Lessons From A F1 Team Principal
The article distills leadership principles from a Formula 1 team principal, emphasizing rapid decision‑making, data‑driven tactics, and relentless focus on execution. It highlights how the high‑pressure pit lane environment forces leaders to prioritize clarity, empower specialists, and iterate instantly. The piece...
This CEO Hires Just 4% of Applicants. Here’s His Unique Hiring Test.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has instituted a pilot‑veto hiring test that asks a select group of about a dozen well‑liked pilots to shadow interviewees and decide if they’d want to spend a four‑day trip together. Candidates who fail the...
Pirojsha Godrej to Take over as Chair of Godrej Industries on 14 August
Pirojsha Godrej will assume the chairmanship of the $20 billion Godrej Industries Group on 14 August, succeeding his uncle Nadir Godrej, who steps down at age 75. On the same day, his cousin Burjis Godrej, 34, will join the group holding company’s...
Symplr Appoints Former Edifecs Executive Venkat Kavarthapu as CEO
symplr, a leading enterprise healthcare operations software provider, announced Venkat Kavarthapu as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Kavarthapu, a 25‑year health‑tech veteran, previously served as CEO of Edifecs and guided its acquisition by Cotiviti in 2025. He replaces...
Alzheimer’s Society Policy Head to Lead Kidney Research Charity
Kidney Research UK announced Fiona Carragher as its new chief executive, succeeding Sandra Currie after 13 years. Carragher joins from the Alzheimer’s Society, where she served as chief policy and research officer, and brings a background in NHS science leadership and policy....
BharatPe Cofounder Shashvat Nakrani Steps Down To Launch New Venture
BharatPe co‑founder and COO Shashvat Nakrani will step down from daily duties, moving to a strategic advisor and board director role while remaining its largest individual shareholder. The transition comes as the fintech unicorn finalises its leadership overhaul, with CEO...
Conagra Brands Appoints Former JM Smucker Exec John Brase as CEO
Conagra Brands announced that John Brase, former president and COO of JM Smucker, will assume the role of president and CEO on June 1, succeeding Sean Connolly. Brase brings more than 35 years of consumer‑goods experience, including senior positions at Procter & Gamble. The company...
How TinyBuild Survived 15 Years of Game Publishing | Alex Nichiporchik Interview
TinyBuild, founded in 2011 by Alex Nichiporchik and Tom Brien, began as a Kickstarter‑backed indie studio and has evolved into a publicly traded publisher valued at roughly $474 million. The company’s breakout hit, Hello Neighbor, has amassed over 300 million downloads since...
StarkWare Cuts Staff in Push Toward Revenue-Generating Products
Zero‑knowledge scaling firm StarkWare announced a restructuring that will split the company into two units—one for applications and one for Starknet development—and cut headcount, though the exact number of jobs eliminated was not disclosed. CEO Eli Ben‑Sasson said the move is...
Metyx CEO Uğur Üstünel Joins EPTA Board
Metyx CEO Uğur Üstünel has been appointed to the board of the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA), a body that unites leading pultrusion firms to advance technology and standards. Metyx, operating in Europe and the United States, recently launched continuous filament...
MUA Bobbi Brown Claims Last Two Years at Namesake Brand Left Her ‘Miserable’
Bobbi Brown, the iconic makeup artist who sold her namesake brand to Estée Lauder for $74.5 million in 1995, stayed on for 22 years before departing in 2016, describing her final two years as "pretty miserable." A 25‑year non‑compete prevented her from...
The SB Podcast: Why Distribution Needs a Shake-Up
Eoin Bara, founder of Tipple, argues that spirits brands must generate demand before chasing distribution. After burning out selling his own Mór Irish Gin, he created Tipple, a digital platform that lets brands sell directly to consumers and businesses while...
D-Wave CEO Brings Commercial Quantum Computing to the Center of Global Economic and Technology Discussions at Semafor World Economy and...
D‑Wave Quantum Inc. announced that CEO Dr. Alan Baratz will appear on the mainstage at Semafor World Economy on April 14, 2026, and at the QED‑C Quantum Summit on April 15, 2026. The talks will emphasize the shift from experimental...
Kayali’s Mona Kattan on Building a Fragrance Empire that Taps Into the ‘Personal’
Kayali, founded in 2018 by Mona Kattan, has evolved from a Huda Beauty offshoot into a standalone fragrance brand backed by private‑equity firm General Atlantic. The company’s "fragrance wardrobe" strategy encourages consumers to layer scents, resulting in some of the...
GiriToday CEO Wale Ayantoye Selected as Semafor World Economy Principal
GiriToday founder and CEO Wale Ayantoye has been appointed a Principal of the Semafor World Economy, a curated community of more than 400 global CEOs, policymakers and investors. The role grants him participation in the annual convening in Washington, D.C., where...
Liberia: Bea Mountain CEO Announces Expansion Will Provide Over 2,000 Employment Opportunities for Liberians
Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) announced a major expansion that will double its gold processing capacity from four to eight million tons per year. The project is projected to raise the workforce from 9,000 to over 11,000, adding more than...
WPP Mulls Burson Divestiture
WPP has engaged Goldman Sachs to explore a sale of its Burson PR unit, the flagship of its public‑relations division. The move is part of CEO Cindy Rose’s Elevate28 survival plan, which aims to shed non‑core assets after the PR...
Dolce & Gabbana Names New Co-CEO Amid Leadership Shake-Up
Italian luxury house Dolce & Gabbana announced Stefano Cantino as co‑CEO, joining founder Alfonso Dolce, who will serve as chairman. The move follows co‑founder Stefano Gabbana’s resignation from the chairman role, though he will remain the brand’s creative director. D&G...
Vistry Appoints Adam Daniels as CEO
Vistry Group announced that Adam Daniels will take over as chief executive officer, succeeding the outgoing leadership team. Daniels arrives with a deep portfolio of experience in the UK housing market and a track record of forging strategic partnerships. The...
Tech Personality Masie Leaves ABC Board
African Bitcoin Company (ABC) announced that long‑time tech entrepreneur and Bitcoin advocate Stafford Masie has resigned as chairman but will remain as executive director amid a board reshuffle. The firm, Africa’s first listed company to hold Bitcoin on its balance...
Why High-Performing Employees Still Get Replaced — And What CEOs Must Know
CEOs must recognize that high‑performing employees are being replaced because organizations now value adaptability, strategic visibility, and cross‑functional versatility over past output. The World Economic Forum predicts 39% of core job skills will shift by 2030, pushing firms to prioritize...
Adobe Summit 2026: How Adobe Hopes to Redesign Marketing and Creativity with AI
Adobe’s annual Summit kicks off in Las Vegas on April 20, 2026, with a parallel virtual stream, marking a pivotal moment as CEO Shantanu Narayen announces his departure after 18 years. The event will spotlight Adobe’s response to the surge...
Kia Targets 4.13 Million Global Sales by 2030 with EVs, Hybrids and PBVs at the Core
Kia announced at its 2026 CEO Investor Day a roadmap to sell 4.13 million vehicles annually by 2030, targeting a 4.5% global market share. The plan balances 1 million battery‑electric cars, 1.15 million hybrid/electric models, and roughly 2 million internal‑combustion units, while expanding its...
Fonterra Names CEO
Fonterra announced that Richard Allen, its president of global ingredients, will take over as chief executive on May 1, 2026, succeeding Miles Hurrell who will remain as an advisor until September. Allen brings 18 years of experience within the co‑op, including leadership of...
Sharon Pais Takes over From Nandita Sinha at Myntra, Bets on M-Now for Growth
Flipkart‑owned Myntra appointed Sharon Pais as its new CEO, succeeding Nandita Sinha who will depart in the coming months. Pais, formerly head of Flipkart Fashion, said the company will keep its strategic focus on brand expansion and AI‑driven discovery while...
Mango Has No Plans for Acquisitions: “Sufficient Growth Potential”
Spanish fashion retailer Mango announced it will not pursue acquisitions or an initial public offering, opting to grow organically under CEO Toni Ruiz’s long‑term vision. The company posted a record €2.3 billion (≈ $2.5 billion) revenue last year and now operates over 2,200 stores...
How Marta Bralic Kerns Built a $1.7 Billion Femtech Unicorn From a Mother’s Experience
Marta Bralic Kerns turned a frustrating pregnancy experience into Pomelo Care, a virtual maternal‑health platform now valued at $1.7 billion. Founded in 2021, the New York‑based company uses predictive analytics and 24‑hour clinical support to identify risks early and deliver personalized care...
Shangri-La Hotels Names New MD as Phong Steps Down Early
Shangri‑La Hotels (M) Bhd announced Lin Diaan Yi as its new managing director, taking over from Christopher Phong Siew San whose exit was accelerated to today. Lin joins with a 22‑year McKinsey partnership, investment‑banking roots at Credit Suisse First Boston, and board roles...
People on the Move: Appointments, Retirements, Achievements
The beef and broader livestock supply chain announced a series of high‑profile appointments and recognitions. Jason Woolhouse, formerly chief innovation officer at Hume Bank, takes over as CEO of the RMA Network, while Grain Producers Australia named Duncan Bremner its new...
Culture and Events Charity Chief to Step Down
Claire Whitaker announced she will step down as chief executive of Southampton Forward, the culture and events charity that drives festivals, tourism and regeneration in the city. Whitaker, who has led the organization since 2023 and delivered a three‑year cultural...
Candy Brand Behave Bet Everything on TikTok Shop, Went Viral and Secured a Target Launch
In summer 2024, low‑sugar candy brand Behave faced bankruptcy with only 60 days of cash left. The founders pivoted to TikTok Shop, posting multiple daily videos until a viral post of their Super Sour Skulls sold out in three days...
The Ogilvy Group Hong Kong Names Duffy Lau CEO and Sarah-Leith Izzard CCO: Appoints Leadership Team Across Ogilvy and Grey
The Ogilvy Group Hong Kong announced a senior leadership overhaul, promoting Duffy Lau from Grey Hong Kong Managing Director to CEO of the combined group and elevating Sarah‑Leith Izzard to Chief Creative Officer. Connie Ho, previously Ogilvy Hong Kong’s CSO, will now serve as CSO for...
The 40-Year Story Behind Stefano Gabbana’s Departure From Dolce & Gabbana
Stefano Gabbana stepped down as chairman of Dolce & Gabbana two months before the February 2026 womenswear show, while retaining his creative duties. The luxury group reported €1.9 billion (≈$2.07 billion) in revenue but a €143 million (≈$156 million) net loss for the year...
Frontpoint Health Names New CEO
Frontpoint Health announced that Jay Wendt will replace Brent Korte as chief executive officer. Wendt comes from a background leading Stance Health Solutions, a durable medical equipment firm, and previously ran Martin Bionics. The Dallas‑based provider, backed by Cimarron Healthcare...
Why the ‘Messy Middle’ Is Where Success Actually Happens
The 2026 AlixPartners Disruption Index shows 72% of senior executives struggle to prioritize disruptive forces, exposing a gap in how leaders handle the "messy middle"—the uncomfortable stretch between current state and desired outcomes. The article argues that this phase, not...
On the Move: Latest Arts Sector Appointments
Sydney’s City Recital Hall appointed Phillippa Martin Reiter as its inaugural Director of Programming and Events, tasked with raising venue utilisation. In Darwin, John Glenn takes the helm as CEO of the AANT Centre, bringing two decades of senior arts leadership....
Ex-PHD Boss Simon Lawson Launches Media Advisory With Principal Media In Crosshairs
Former PHD Australia MD Simon Lawson has founded Chilon Media Governance, an independent advisory firm aimed at helping advertisers recover lost value and improve transparency in complex media supply chains. Leveraging his two‑decade experience at Omnicom and Publicis, Lawson’s firm...
T. Howard Foundation: Passing the Torch, Keeping the Mission
The T. Howard Foundation announced Judi Lopez as its new CEO, succeeding Jo Pamphile after a 20‑year tenure. Lopez, a longtime board member, is targeting scale, diversified revenue and deeper ties to the creator economy, highlighted by a recent NBA...
People
Vyve Broadband is set to merge with Cable One as the larger provider expands its footprint. President and CEO Andy Parrott announced his departure after seven years, timing his exit with the pending integration. Vyve named COO Melanie Hannasch and...
Fonterra Promotes Ingredients Head Richard Allen to Be Next CEO
Fonterra Cooperative Group announced that Richard Allen, who has led its ingredients division since 2022, will become chief executive on May 1, succeeding Miles Hurrell. The change comes as the dairy giant finalizes the sale of its consumer‑facing business and doubles...
Hyundai's Euisun Chung on Scaling American Investment
Hyundai Motor Group announced a $26 billion investment plan in the United States through 2028, bringing its total U.S. spending to roughly $20.5 billion since entering the market four decades ago. The automaker is also rolling out Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots,...
The Unstructured Data Revolution in CRM – Interview with David Roberts of SugarCRM
In a recent Punk CX interview, SugarCRM CEO David Roberts argues that today’s CRM platforms function more as management dashboards than true seller tools. He predicts AI will ingest unstructured data—emails, calls, texts—to deliver real‑time contextual guidance, eliminating manual data entry....
4 Habits That Turn Business Owners Into Real CEOs
David Finkel argues that true CEOs stop hustling and become architects of their companies, focusing on strategic design rather than daily tasks. He outlines four habits that shift owners from operational weeds to high‑level leadership, starting with redefining the job...
Inside the American Startups Trying to Break China's Mineral Chokehold
Phoenix Tailings, a New Hampshire startup, has raised $120 million to process rare‑earth metals from mine tailings, aiming to close the U.S. supply‑chain gap that China dominates at the mid‑stream stage. The company claims a zero‑emission process that extracts, separates, and...
$12 Billion Crypto Company Boss Says Gen Z ‘Create an Absurd Amount of Chaos’ and Make Him Want to Pull...
Matt Huang, co‑founder of the $12 billion crypto venture firm Paradigm, admits Gen Z employees can be chaotic but says their talent is indispensable. He points to early hires like Charlie Noyes—who joined at 19, later led Paradigm’s investment in Flashbots, a...
With 1 Simple Habit, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby Just Taught a Brilliant Leadership Lesson
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who leads the world’s largest airline by available seat miles, has made a habit of taking a 20‑minute nap on the floor of his office each afternoon. He describes the routine as a way to...