PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, June 3, 2008 – The NPD Group, Inc., a leading market research company, has named Avi Halutz Chief Information Officer, responsible for overseeing all IT and Operations functions for the company. He reports to NPD Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Tom Lynch.
In his new role, Halutz is leading the development of an expanded systems architecture to support NPD’s global growth strategy, including the continuing rollout of store level information to complement its national point-of-sale information. NPD currently offers store level information for the Consumer Technology, Automotive, and Footwear industries, with plans to roll out to other industries in the future.
Prior to joining NPD, Halutz was Vice President, Technology, Marketing Information and Retail Systems for Time Inc., where he led all IT functions, successfully implementing the systems and infrastructure for efficient processing of large volumes of data and establishing comprehensive Business Intelligence and Decision Support Systems based on Time’s extensive databases. Before that, he was with Citibank’s Global Card Products Group where he designed and created management information systems.
“Avi is uniquely qualified to lead our IT and Operations efforts as we continue to break new ground and provide an unprecedented level of information to support business decision-making,” said Lynch. “His experience in designing and creating complex systems and processes will be a critical asset to NPD and our clients.”
About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,600 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com.