Financial Services Practice Eyes Impact of Consumer Trends on Marketers

BOSTON - April 23, 2007 - Compete, Inc. a leading online consumer market research firm, today announced that it has named banking and e-commerce leader Ron Sheklin as general manager of its Financial Services practice. As consumers embrace new online and mobile financial services (FS), marketers recognize the critical need for in-depth industry analysis and new ways to engage with online customers. Under Ron's leadership, Compete is uniquely poised to offer financial marketers the compelling one-two punch of data-driven industry insights combined with a deep understanding of online trends and consumer behaviors driving the market.

Ron brings nearly two decades of experience in financial services, e-commerce, and consulting to Compete. At Compete, he will manage the marketing and online channel effectiveness strategies for Compete's banking, insurance, and investing clients, working with marketers to win, retain and grow profitable relationships.

Financial services marketers must continue to take cues from consumers, offering the latest online innovations and offerings which map to their lifestyle and demands, "Mobile banking and peer to peer lending are just two of the major consumer trends that we're keeping an eye on," said Ron Sheklin, general manager of Compete's Financial Services Practice. "With our deep domain expertise across several key markets, we are ideally positioned to offer FS marketers new ways to engage with online customers."

Prior to joining Compete, Ron was co-founder and COO of Partnerwise Communications, a specialty affinity and co-brand partnership marketing firm. Previously, he directed initiatives in lending, e-commerce, and retail deposits at Capital One Financial. Prior to that, Ron was a consultant with Corporate Decisions, Inc. and Mercer Management Consulting, delivering customer-driven growth strategies to Fortune 500 and private equity clients.

"Ron's strategic planning and e-commerce experience will help marketers at our client banks, insurance and investing companies better serve the needs of their customers," said Scott Ernst, vice president and chief client officer. "With extensive consumer focused strategy consulting experience, Ron is well positioned to drive the growth of the practice increasing customer acquisition and deepening client relationships."

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Management & Technology Program, Mr. Sheklin holds a BS from The Wharton School of Business and a BAS from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Links and Resources:
Ron Sheklin bio and headshot: http://www.competeinc.com/about_compete/management/

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