Seattle’s customer data platform powerhouse, Amperity, has proudly announced the appointment of veteran technology executive Dawn Lepore as its new board chair. This strategic move underscores Amperity’s commitment to tapping into decades of industry wisdom and accelerating its influence in the ever-evolving world of data management.
Lepore brings more than forty years of leadership experience to the table, having served in executive and board roles at some of the most recognized organizations, such as eBay, Walmart, The New York Times, and AOL. Her leadership history includes steering Charles Schwab’s technology operations and serving as CEO of drugstore.com for eight years. During that period, she guided the company through significant milestones, culminating in its acquisition by Walgreens in 2011.
By welcoming Lepore as board chair, Amperity aims to align her extensive track record in technology and business growth with its ambitious vision for the customer data platform (CDP) market. Observers say this appointment may position Amperity as a go-to solution for companies seeking effective methods to consolidate and analyze fragmented customer information.
Leveraging Deep Tech Expertise to Propel Amperity Forward
In choosing Lepore, Amperity gains a board chair who has lived through various technological booms and disruptions. She has firsthand experience witnessing tech giants evolve and expand their influence. As a former angel investor in Amperity, Lepore already recognized the potential of its data-driven solutions.
When asked about her move to board chair, Lepore shared that her years as both an operator and board member across different industries gave her unique insight into one recurring problem: data fragmentation. Companies often possess heaps of disconnected data—from user emails and purchase history to website visits—yet they lack the tools to unify and understand it all. She believes Amperity’s robust platform fills that glaring gap, helping businesses unlock valuable insights from diverse data sources.
Moreover, Lepore’s appointment signals a more aggressive push into AI-driven features. She notes that the current AI boom acts as a powerful tailwind, catapulting customer data platforms into the spotlight. As data volumes skyrocket and consumers engage with brands on a growing array of channels, enterprises need a solution capable of scaling to meet these demands. Lepore sees Amperity as perfectly poised to harness AI’s strengths, deliver powerful analytics, and streamline customer-centric decision-making.
What Sets Amperity Apart in the Crowded CDP Arena
Founded in 2016, Amperity quickly carved out a leading role within the customer data platform sector. By 2021, it had reached a billion-dollar valuation after securing $100 million in funding. This momentum reflects the market’s hunger for sophisticated data solutions that translate overwhelming streams of consumer information into actionable strategies.
So, why do businesses flock to Amperity instead of countless alternatives? Unlike some of its competitors—Salesforce, Adobe, Tealium, Treasure Data, and Portland-based Lytics—Amperity employs a powerful infrastructure that focuses on unifying data at an individual-customer level. This personalized approach helps brands refine their marketing campaigns by painting a holistic view of each shopper’s habits, from mobile app usage to in-store visits. With privacy regulations and consumer expectations continuing to tighten, having a trusted data framework is no longer optional. It’s essential.
Additionally, Amperity taps into machine learning to deliver faster, more precise analytics. By automating many labor-intensive tasks, it frees marketing teams to concentrate on actionable insights and strategy. This integrated use of AI is what Lepore sees as a major competitive advantage in a market teeming with well-funded rivals.
A Future Fueled by AI and Expanding Global Presence
Lepore’s confidence in the power of AI to bolster Amperity isn’t just theory—it aligns with broader industry trends. Analysts predict the global adoption of artificial intelligence within data management will continue surging. Companies want to identify patterns, anticipate buying behaviors, and ultimately provide hyper-personalized experiences to their audiences.
Amperity stands ready to meet this growing demand. It already boasts clients across various regions, with offices in Seattle (its headquarters), New York City, London, and Melbourne. These strategic footprints equip it to serve organizations with worldwide reach, a crucial advantage when competing in an international marketplace. By harnessing advanced AI-driven analytics and machine learning, the company continues to refine how businesses gather, interpret, and employ customer data for maximum impact.
New Leadership, New Challenges
Dawn Lepore’s arrival comes roughly five months after Amperity selected former Salesforce executive Tony Alika Owens as its CEO. Owens stepped into a role previously held by Kabir Shahani, who left unexpectedly in early 2022. Such rapid leadership changes might raise eyebrows, but insiders suggest the shifts reflect Amperity’s pragmatic response to shifting market conditions.
In late 2022, as the tech industry tightened its belt, Owens acknowledged that Amperity might have overinvested in its growth earlier. Multiple rounds of layoffs, along with realigned strategies, aimed to correct the company’s course and maintain financial sustainability. Still, Amperity remained on the cutting edge, ranking No. 48 on the GeekWire 200.
The restructured leadership team—now led by Owens and guided by Lepore—appears committed to striking a balance between ambition and caution. They plan to capitalize on AI-driven momentum while maintaining a lean, adaptable organization.
Insights From a Star-Studded Board
Beyond Lepore and Owens, Amperity’s board includes key figures who bring impressive backgrounds from diverse sectors. Co-founder Derek Slager lends continuity to the original vision. Raj Singh, Concur co-founder and current CEO of Accolade, offers decades of software innovation expertise. Matt McIlwain, Managing Director at Madrona, contributes investment wisdom, while Kevin Johnson, former president and CEO of Starbucks, brings global brand perspective. Meanwhile, music superstar Ciara’s presence adds a creative lens, bridging technology, entertainment, and consumer engagement.
These board members share a single goal: push Amperity to address companies’ evolving needs for robust, integrated customer insights. Each member’s unique experiences and networks boost the startup’s credibility and open doors to fresh collaborations.
With seasoned leadership, diverse board expertise, and a proven platform, Amperity is poised to further transform how brands handle customer data. Dawn Lepore’s appointment as board chair signals a commitment to practical wisdom, innovative solutions, and rapid scaling. By staying attuned to market shifts—particularly in AI—and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset, Amperity looks set to tighten its grip on the competitive CDP landscape.
Brands seeking to unify data, enhance marketing campaigns, and stay one step ahead of consumer demands will continue to watch Amperity closely. Backed by new leadership and a clear strategic focus, the company aims to stand among the top choices for organizations that prioritize meaningful, data-driven customer engagement. Keep an eye on Startupmars for more updates.
