Marketing tech giant Sitecore has appointed Dave O'Flanagan as its new chief executive officer. Previously, he served the company as the interim CEO, and before that, had a three-year stint as the chief product officer (CPO). O'Flanagan was instrumental in leading the transition to composable and launching Sitecore's software as a service (SaaS) DXP solutions. Notably, he was also a founder and CEO of Boxever, a company Sitecore acquired in 2021.
Sitecore, a global leader in digital experience software, plans for O'Flanagan to advance its DXP leadership, fueled by ongoing innovation and driven by AI to transform customer value. The new CEO plans to continue to lean heavily into artificial intelligence, particularly focussing on a 'marketer-first' AI strategy.
O'Flanagan recently unveiled a suite of generative AI capabilities at the Sitecore User Group Conference in Dublin. This new development promises to significantly change how marketers create content and deliver personalised experiences to their audiences. The new generative AI capabilities expand Sitecore's existing AI features within its DXP portfolio, including AI-powered recommendations for website search, intelligent decisioning and advanced A/B testing in personalisation, and image recognition in digital asset management.
Moreover, Sitecore's AI Copilot is designed to simplify a marketer's life, making their work more effective through each phase of the content lifecycle, from ideation to delivery. This AI enhancement will cover various aspects of marketing, including ideation and planning, content creation, content collaboration, experience delivery and personalisation and optimisation.
The company has also announced leadership & board changes, designed to further O'Flanagan's strategy and fast-track Sitecore's growth. These changes include promoting Roger Connolly to chief product officer (CPO) to lead all content lifecycle and AI innovation, appointing Danny Robinson as the chief technology officer (CTO), and naming Rohinee Mohindroo as the chief digital & information officer (CDIO).
Simultaneously, Sitecore has made four new board appointments, who will work alongside Darren Roos, chair of the Sitecore board. The board now includes Christian Shin Hegh Andersen, Maggie Buggie with focus on AI and digital customer experience, Michael Ouissi who specialises in enterprise go-to-market strategy, and Saleah Hassen Laher with experience in enterprise software delivery and customer success.
Reflecting on O'Flanagan's appointment, Darren Roos states: "I've known Dave since he joined Sitecore through the acquisition of Boxever... The opportunity in front of Sitecore is great, and Dave's customer-first mindset, focus on innovation and execution, as well as his energy around the positive impact Sitecore’s solutions can have on customers and partners, will help propel Sitecore's growth."
O’Flanagan, expressing his excitement for his new role says, "This is an incredibly exciting moment in Sitecore's journey as we continue to redefine the potential of the DXP. We're bringing together the best in content, personalization, and AI to power standout experiences for visionary brands in every industry. It's an honour to take on this role and I can't wait to get started alongside our brilliant customers, team, partners, and the wider Sitecore community."