[ACCESSWIRE]
SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / April 19, 2016 / Investors look at a handful of factors when analyzing micro- and small-cap opportunities, but the most important is often the management team at the helm. After all, smaller companies don't have the established track record of larger companies and are generally riskier opportunities. Management teams with a demonstrated ability to execute increase the odds of success, which means that any changes should be carefully observed.
In this article, we'll take a look at three companies that have made management additions or changes and may be worth watching closely over the coming quarters.
Bringing Accelerize to the Next Level
Accelerize Inc. (OTCQB: ACLZ), a developer of marketing technology solutions that revolutionize the way advertisers leverage their digital advertising data, appointed Anthony Mazzarella as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. With over 30 years of management experience at various high tech firms, Mr. Mazzarella will be instrumental in helping the company transition from a small-cap over-the-counter stock to a bigger tech firm.
Mr. Mazzarella recently served as CEO of Scalable Network Technologies - a privately held high performance network simulation software provider. He was also the Founder and CEO of AOptiz Technologies between 2000 and 2005, raising more than $50 million in private equity capital, and served as CFO of iMALL, a publicly traded e-commerce firm that moved from the OTCBB to the NASDAQ before selling to Excite@Home for $565 million in 1999.
In addition to this executive experience, Mr. Mazzarella served on the Board of Directors at many emerging technology firms, including Mustang Software before its $290 million acquisition by Quintus, SuperNation, MyLife (Reunion.com), eForce Media, and PatentVest. These connections, along with those at Twentieth Century Fox, Davis Companies, and Deliotte Touche, could prove invaluable as Accelerize continues to grow.
Pegasystems Adds New Expert to Board
Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA), a leading software company focused on strategic business applications, recently appointed ReachLocal Inc. (NASDAQ: RLOC) CEO Sharon Rowlands to its Board of Directors. With more than 20 years of experience growing complex multi-billion dollar businesses serving enterprise customers, Ms. Rowlands brings both expertise and relationships with companies like ADP and Constant Contact Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCT).
In 2015, Pegasystems CEO Alan Trefler was named the #1 small-cap CEO by ExecRank.com after having built the company into a $600 million powerhouse with more than 3,000 employees in 30 global offices. The growing management team includes a number of other popular names in the tech community, including recently appointed Jeff Nicholson and John Williams, as well as many other experienced executives that keep the company moving forward.
Isle of Capri Casinos Gets New CEO
Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (NASDAQ: ISLE) CEO Virginia McDowell announced plans to retire on April 27th and CFO Eric Hausler will take the helm. With shares down more than 40% from their highs last year, many shareholders are looking for proactive changes to stem the losses and resume growth after pulling back on promotions. Mr. Hausler's experience as CFO might help focus efforts on cutting interest expenses and improving shareholder returns.
Mr. Hausler indicated that the company was considering returning capital to shareholders down the line and its balance sheet has already been improving. These efforts could help dramatically improve shareholder value if they're accompanied by improvements in its operating business. Investors may also appreciate the company's compelling valuation at current levels, which stems largely from issues facing the casino industry at large.
Looking Ahead
Investors may want to take a closer look at these management and board changes when seeking opportunities. In all three cases, the new additions could help round out the existing team and potentially increase long-term shareholder value.
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Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Emerging Growth LLC may be compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation or equity securities in the companies it writes about, or a combination of the two. For full disclosure please visit: http://secfilings.com/Disclaimer.aspx.
SOURCE: Emerging Growth LLC
