WASHINGTON – September 27, 2023 – Afiniti, the leading customer experience (CX) artificial intelligence (AI) application and cloud infrastructure provider, announces that Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Tom Inskip, has been promoted to President of Afiniti.
In this new position, Mr. Inskip is charged with the broad responsibilities of leading all of the customer and partner-facing activities for the company. The role is chartered with delivering on all of the company’s growth and marketing opportunities, as well as presenting a unified, best-in-class customer experience to Afiniti customers and partners worldwide.
“Tom has played an instrumental role in Afiniti’s growth. I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside Tom for over a decade, and consider him an extraordinary growth leader, and business development and marketing talent,” said Hassan Afzal, CEO of Afiniti. “I am confident that his appointment positions us to fulfil our ambition to become the undisputed global leader in CX AI.”
“It’s an honor to work with Hassan and our talented colleagues at Afiniti. We share a passion for making our customers and partners successful, and are excited to play an instrumental role in ushering in a new era of CX AI,” said Mr. Inskip. “More now than ever, our customers are turning to AI to optimize for better outcomes at every turn – this is our expertise.”
Since 2013, Mr. Inskip has been responsible for revenue, helping the company achieve over 40% annual growth across a global customer base, while playing a key role in evolving our product portfolio beyond our AI Optimization solutions (AI Pairing, AI Offers, and AI Commissions) to include our AI Cloud Infrastructure product suite Afiniti InsideTM, which incorporates AIROTM, our new “self-serve” offering.
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About Afiniti
Afiniti is a leading provider of customer experience (CX) artificial intelligence (AI). Our CX AI optimization services and infrastructure deliver measurably better business outcomes for some of the largest enterprises in the world. Our technology is used globally in the healthcare, telecommunications, hospitality, insurance, and banking industries, and across multiple customer experience channels. To learn more, visit www.afiniti.com.
Afiniti President Thomas Inskip moderated a fireside chat hosted by Mike Fries, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Liberty Global, and Balan Nair, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Latin America, at Afiniti’s Senior Leadership offsite in October.
Mike shared insights about Liberty Global’s 30-year growth history, the group’s international expansion and the synergies between its different consumer brands that include Virgin Media O2 in the UK, Telenet in Belgium, Sunrise in Switzerland and Virgin Media in Ireland.
Mike, Balan and Tom had an engaging discussion about the future of the global telco industry, and about how artificial intelligence will revolutionize the telecom and cable space. Mike, Balan and Tom spoke about Liberty Global’s and Afiniti’s commitment to innovation and their investments in cutting-edge technology through new products, services and partnerships. Mike and Tom agreed that all artificial intelligence strategies should place the customer at the center and aim to drive incremental growth alongside traditional marketing and sales methods.
We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Liberty Global!
WASHINGTON – September 27, 2023 – Afiniti, the leading provider of AI-enabled enterprise behavioral pairing solutions for customer interactions, has announced the appointment of Hassan Afzal as Afiniti’s Chief Executive Officer and Board Director.
Mr. Afzal, an experienced business leader, will succeed Larry Babbio, who assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of Afiniti in 2021. His appointment is the culmination of a CEO succession plan and subsequent search process undertaken by the Board. The Board of Directors is grateful to Mr. Babbio for his unwavering commitment to Afiniti and is pleased that the company will continue to benefit from his experience as he will remain with Afiniti as a Board Director.
Mr. Afzal joined Afiniti in 2007 as one of its first employees and has served as its Chief Technology Officer, making him a key architect of Afiniti’s unique and patented technology. He has been a core enabler of Afiniti’s growth to its current scale of about 1,500 employees across 20 countries. Mr. Afzal holds a MSc in Computer and Information Systems from the University of Pennsylvania and a BSE in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia.
“I am looking forward to leading this great company and leveraging the strength of our people, culture and our customer-centric focus,” said Mr. Afzal. “As a pioneer in using artificial intelligence technology to measurably optimize customer interactions, Afiniti has an exciting opportunity to deploy more intelligence and automation within the customer experience. I will work with Larry and the Board on a seamless transition and thank Larry for his guidance over the last two years.”
“Hassan has brought a wealth of experience with excellent strategic and leadership skills to Afiniti, and we are delighted that he will be our Chief Executive Officer,” said Mr. Babbio. “He has impressed the Board with the impact he has made at Afiniti, where he has brought a strong client-centric mindset and creative technology leadership. The Board believes his leadership skills and experience will lead Afiniti through its next strategic phase.”
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About Afiniti
Afiniti uses patented artificial intelligence technology to pair participants in customer interactions based on how well they are likely to interact. Its technology is used globally in the healthcare, telecommunications, travel, hospitality, insurance, and banking industries, and across multiple customer experience channels. To learn more, visit www.afiniti.com.
WASHINGTON – October 11, 2022 – Afiniti, the world’s leading provider of AI that pairs customers with contact center agents, has appointed Andrew Smeaton as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Mr. Smeaton joins Afiniti as a highly experienced CISO with over two decades spent in information security and risk management.
Based in the U.S., Mr. Smeaton will be responsible for maintaining and maturing Afiniti’s information security program. This includes protecting the company from emerging threats to systems and data, managing the company’s compliance needs and third-party risks, and implementing industry-wide best practices to protect and secure all company assets.
“Afiniti is committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of information security on behalf of our customers,” said Sam Logan, Chief Legal Officer. “Andrew is a widely respected technology leader with a strong record of developing global security functions. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Mr. Smeaton most recently served as Chief Information Security Officer of DataRobot where he built and led the global security team. He has also served in this capacity at companies within the insurance and banking industries, including the MIB Group and Danversbank.
“Ensuring customers’ trust in cybersecurity is essential to the success of any technology company,” said Mr. Smeaton. “From my first meeting with Afiniti’s leadership, it has been clear this is a top priority. I’m excited to help strengthen Afiniti’s cybersecurity and data protection systems as the company continues to evolve its customer experience technology.”
Mr. Smeaton graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Computer Science and has a certificate in Cybersecurity, Managing Risk in the Information Age from Harvard University. He has recently been distinguished as the 2022 (ISC)2 Global Achievement Award recipient for the (ISC)2 CEO Award for his contributions to the cybersecurity community.
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media@website23-prsrhearfpxnbzqh.afiniti.io
About Afiniti
Afiniti uses patented artificial intelligence technology to pair customers and contact center agents based on how well they are likely to interact. Its technology is used globally in healthcare, telecommunications, travel, hospitality, insurance, and banking. To learn more, visit www.afiniti.com.
FEBRUARY 10, 2022 — Afiniti today announced that Nick Honeyman-Brown has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Honeyman-Brown has served at Afiniti for three years, first as UK General Manager and more recently in the global role of Senior Vice President, Finance.
“Nick has shown outstanding leadership at Afiniti and brings strong commercial and financial experience to our executive team,” said Larry Babbio, CEO and Chair of Afiniti. “He is a highly trusted and valued colleague, and I look forward to working closely with him to deliver even more value for our customers and investors in the next phase of our company’s growth.”
Mr. Honeyman-Brown joined Afiniti in early 2019 after 12 years in the telecommunications industry, including as Commercial Director at Virgin Media. Prior to this, he held a number of finance roles within Virgin Media, as well as positions within Technology, Media, and Telecom Audit & Assurance at KPMG. Based in the UK, he is a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Mr. Honeyman-Brown succeeds Afiniti’s current Chief Financial Officer Phil Davis, who will depart on April 1, 2022, to become CFO of another high growth technology company. Mr. Davis will continue his association with Afiniti in an advisory capacity.
“It has been an honor to serve as Afiniti’s CFO for the past seven years. Afiniti has an incredible future ahead of it and I have a great belief in the strength of its technology and talent. I look forward to supporting its continued growth and success,” Mr. Davis said.
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Friday, January 14, 2022 — Afiniti’s CEO and Chair Larry Babbio today announced a series of board and executive leadership changes, aimed at strengthening the company’s operations and growth.
Martha Bejar has been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of Afiniti. Ms. Bejar brings more than 35 years of experience in global leadership and building rapid growth businesses, having acted as CEO and Director of several private companies, including Unium, Flow Mobile and Wipro Infocrossing. Ms. Bejar also served as corporate vice president of the communications sector for Microsoft Corp.
Mr. Babbio said: “Afiniti is an exceptional company with exceptional people. In 2022, we will build on Afiniti’s superior talent and technology to become an even stronger business. The board and leadership changes we’re announcing today are critical to that effort, and I am confident we have the right team to take Afiniti to the next level of success.”
Michelle Digulla, currently GM of Canada for Afiniti, is appointed as Afiniti’s Chief People Officer. Ms. Digulla will oversee all aspects of Afiniti’s human resources strategy and development — including an increased focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and a cross-company review of Afiniti’s culture and values. Ms. Digulla previously held leadership roles including President and Country Manager at Motorola and Sony Mobile.
Caroline O’Brien, Chief Data Officer, is taking on an expanded role including all product management. Dr. O’Brien will be responsible for improving and expanding Afiniti’s product portfolio, while further strengthening the company’s data strategy and governance. Prior to joining Afiniti in 2017, Dr. O’Brien was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and held data science roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Natalie Cerny is now Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. Ms. Cerny joined Afiniti in April 2021 as Chief Communications Officer, and has been instrumental in building its global communications team. Ms. Cerny will now add marketing to her remit. She has two decades of experience, most recently with Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal, and REA Group.
Former Verizon Vice Chair and President Brings Global Executive Experience to Lead Next Phase of Company Growth
WASHINGTON, DC – December 16, 2021 – The Board of Directors of Afiniti Ltd. (“Afiniti”) today announced that it has appointed Larry Babbio as Afiniti’s next Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Babbio will also continue his role as Chair of the Board of Directors of Afiniti.
Mr. Babbio, former Vice Chair and President of Verizon Communications, Inc., brings strong technology industry experience and global executive leadership to Afiniti. He has served on Afiniti’s Board of Directors since 2016, and was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of Afiniti in November 2021.
“Afiniti is a company made up of dedicated and talented people, who have together created a truly powerful technology,” Mr. Babbio said. “We have a bright future, and to reach our full potential, we must continue building a supportive workplace that enables all of our employees to thrive — while delivering outstanding service to our clients.”
Media Contact
Natalie Cerny media@website23-prsrhearfpxnbzqh.afiniti.io
About Afiniti
Afiniti uses patented artificial intelligence technology to pair customers and contact center agents based on how well they are likely to interact. Its technology is used globally in healthcare, telecommunications, travel, hospitality, insurance, and banking. To learn more, visit www.afiniti.com.
NOVEMBER 22, 2021 — The Board of Directors of Afiniti Ltd. (“Afiniti”) has named Larry Babbio as Chair of the Board of Afiniti, effective immediately. Mr. Babbio has served as a Director of Afiniti’s Board since 2016. The former Vice Chair and President of Verizon Communications, Inc., Mr. Babbio brings with him the deep knowledge and experience necessary to guide Afiniti forward.
Afiniti today also announced the formation of a Special Committee of the Board to investigate issues surrounding the conduct of its former CEO and Chair. Leslie R. Caldwell, Latham & Watkins, LLP, will lead the investigation. Ms. Caldwell previously served as Assistant Attorney General of the United States Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.
“As Chair, my immediate priority is to keep our people safe and ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible service for our clients. This investigation is an important and necessary first step in building a better future for Afiniti,” said Mr. Babbio.
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November 18, 2021 – The Board of Directors of Afiniti, Ltd. (“Afiniti”) announces that Mr. Zia Chishti has stepped down from his role as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Afiniti, effective immediately. The Board will make additional organizational announcements in the coming days.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 2, 2021 – Afiniti, the world’s leading provider of AI that pairs customers with contact center agents, has appointed Dr. Caroline O’Brien as its first Chief Data Officer.
Caroline will be responsible for leading data strategy and data engagement across Afiniti’s fast-growing client base as it develops new applications of its patented Behavioral Pairing technology. With deep technical knowledge in data science and vast experience deploying AI in enterprise environments, Caroline is uniquely positioned to advocate for the role of high-quality, secure and ethically sourced data in AI models.
“The pandemic has accelerated the need for brands to connect with their customers remotely, which has been a key driver of Afiniti’s growth in the last year,” said Dr. Caroline O’Brien. “I am excited to continue working closely with clients to develop joint data strategies that are robust, effective and secure — so we can deliver even more value for them and their customers.”
Previously, Caroline served as Senior Vice President of Data Science and was responsible for leading a global team of AI and data science experts dedicated to advanced analytics. During her four years with Afiniti, she has also been responsible for Afiniti’s new product pipeline and has contributed to Afiniti’s growing patent portfolio.
“Caroline has delivered exceptional results for our clients over the past four years and I can’t think of a better person to lead Afiniti’s data strategy,” said Zia Chishti, CEO and Chairman of Afiniti. “As a global company, clients trust us to use their data responsibly and in compliance with local regulation everywhere we operate around the world. Caroline has a strong track record for governance and, as our first Chief Data Officer, I know she will be a major force in Afiniti’s continued growth and success.”
Before joining Afiniti in 2017, Caroline was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a data scientist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Through her research affiliation with Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences, Caroline is the author of over 18 academic papers, has co-authored two books and remains active in the academic community, researching the application of engineering, data science and mathematics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. She also advocates for the advancement of women in AI and data science, and is on the advisory board of Creatable, a female-focused STEM educational initiative.
An Australian now based in Bermuda, Caroline holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering and Arts with majors in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Queensland.
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Matthew Gray
mathew.gray@website23-prsrhearfpxnbzqh.afiniti.io
About Afiniti
Afiniti is improving the quality of human interactions around the world. It uses patented, award-winning artificial intelligence to identify subtle and valuable patterns of human interaction in order to pair individuals on the basis of behavior, leading to happier, more loyal customers and measurable increases in enterprise profitability. Afiniti’s unique benchmarking and precise measurability allow clients across industries including healthcare, telecommunications, travel, hospitality, insurance, and banking to only pay for a percentage of the value delivered. It has over 150 deployments in major enterprises and has optimized more than 600,000 agents and 700 million customers. Afiniti’s technology continually learns and improves, analyzing 1.3 million interactions every day to refine its pairings. Behavioral Pairing is proven to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in incremental revenue to clients each year. To learn more, visit www.afiniti.com.