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IRIS announces management team changes for 2025

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–  After nearly a decade at the business, Elona Mortimer-Zhika will transition from CEO role in New Year.
–  Executive search is underway for a US-based global CEO who will bring IRIS into a new chapter of global growth.
–  Executive Chairman, Gus Malezis appointed interim CEO.

LONDON, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IRIS Software Group (IRIS), a leading global provider of accountancy, education management, HR and payroll solutions, today announced that, in a planned transition, Elona Mortimer-Zhika has made the decision to move on from her CEO role to focus on her family, philanthropic priorities and expanding board responsibilities in the UK. This move comes a year after she led the sale of the business to Hg, Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (LGP) and Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) – in a transaction valuing the business at around $4 billion – and weeks after the acquisition of Dext. This represented the largest acquisition in IRIS’ history and brought significant growth globally, adding c.20% to group revenues.

An executive search is underway for a global CEO based in the USA, who will drive continued growth as the company doubles down on global expansion, product innovation and customer success. The Board has appointed Gus Malezis, the company’s current executive chairman, to the expanded role of interim CEO.

Ms. Mortimer-Zhika, CEO of IRIS, said: “I have had the incredible opportunity and privilege of leading a business I truly love, and it has been the best job in the world. IRIS is an amazing company with all the ingredients many dream of having: loyal customers, fantastic mission critical cloud solutions, amazing investors and, most importantly, a tremendously hard-working and brilliant team, committed to our customers’ success. My heartfelt thanks to all our amazing employees and customers who make IRIS what it is.”

“As we align our business for further global expansion, I am ready to focus on new priorities, including my family, joining other boards in a NED capacity, as well as my philanthropic work, including with The Hg Foundation. I am delighted that several key milestones were achieved in my last 12 months as CEO, and I am proud of what we have built together. I leave behind a business entering a new phase of growth, supported by a fantastically talented team. I want to give huge thanks to Hg, LGP and ICG for their backing and support, both personally and professionally; I couldn’t have asked for better partners.”

During Ms. Mortimer-Zhika’s tenure IRIS has tripled in size, transitioned to a cloud SaaS platform business, expanded into the Americas, significantly improved its customer NPS (Net Promoter Score), acquired more than 30 new businesses and became a Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years in the UK, and more recently, across all major geographies including the USA, Canada, India, Ireland, and Romania. Women now represent 49% of IRIS’ employee base.

Gus Malezis, Executive Chairman and interim CEO, commented: “For almost a decade, Elona’s leadership has helped to create a very bright future for an amazing business, leaving us in an excellent position for continued success. I highly value Elona’s capacity to drive the business success, while steadfastly keeping the employees and the IRIS culture at the core. Hers are certainly big shoes to fill, but Elona has prepared us all well for the future.”

This foundational success will catapult IRIS into a new phase of global excellence. An executive search is underway for a CEO who will bring IRIS into a new global chapter, with an ever-increasing impact in a broader range of key sectors, all of which will be critical to the business.  This will look to conclude through 2025.

Nic Humphries, Board Member for IRIS and Senior Partner at Hg, the majority owner of IRIS for most of the last 20-years, commented: “IRIS and Hg share a long history, having grown together over the past 20 years. Elona initially joined IRIS as a transformative CFO before succeeding to COO and then CEO over five years ago. She is a natural leader, business builder and brand ambassador. Under her incredible tenure, IRIS has more than tripled in size and transformed into a modern, cloud business leading its sector in both the UK and USA.”

“We are very grateful for everything Elona has accomplished for IRIS and Hg. We look forward to continuing to work with her as a trustee of The Hg Foundation and as she pursues non-executive and similar board roles. On a personal note, it has been a privilege to work with someone of such high capability and integrity and I would like to commend Elona for the great position she leaves IRIS in.”

Media contact:  
IRIS Software Group  
news@irisglobal.com

About IRIS Software Group

Founded in 1978, IRIS Software Group is a global provider of mission critical, cloud-hosted software solutions and services to more than 100,000 customers across 135 countries. IRIS is a trusted partner to businesses, finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organisations, and accountancy firms of all sizes, providing innovative operational solutions that streamline complex processes, maintain compliance, and unlock growth. Through simplifying, automating and providing insights on everyday mission critical tasks for organisations of all shapes and sizes, IRIS ensures customers can look forward with certainty and confidence. IRIS is certified as a 2024 Great Place to Work® in the UK, Ireland, India, Romania, Canada and the USA. Follow IRIS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. More information on its award-winning software solutions can be found here.

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SOURCE IRIS Software Group

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BLACKHAWK NETWORK (BHN) PARTNERS WITH ROBLOX TO LAUNCH DIGITAL GIFT CARDS IN INDONESIA

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42 minutes ago

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December 19, 2024

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JAKARTA, Indonesia , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network (BHN) has partnered with Roblox, a virtual platform with millions of immersive experiences for people to enjoy together, to launch a range of digital gift cards in Indonesia, opening up opportunities for fans of Roblox to connect with family, friends and a global community.

The Roblox digital gift cards are available through gaming sites including Tokopedia, Lapakgaming, Bukalapak, PaysGift, Codashop, Blibli, GOC and UniPin in denominations of 100,000 rupiah, 200,000 rupiah or 500,000 rupiah.

Roblox Gift Cards, whether purchased on web and computer, or in-store, now include up to 25% more Robux.

BHN and Roblox are also looking to add physical gift cards by the end of the year, that will be available through a range of retailers, in store and online.

Roblox is available across a range of devices including mobile, PC, tablet and VR devices enabling players to interact with each other within an experience in real time through any compatible device.

Roblox gift cards enable users to purchase Robux, the platform’s virtual currency, which is used to acquire digital items and accessories in specific virtual experiences or in the Roblox Marketplace. Gift cards can also be redeemed for a monthly subscription service, Roblox Premium, which adds a fixed amount of Robux to a user’s account each month as well as additional benefits such as exclusive items and discounts.

BHN Regional Head, Matt Howe said: “Roblox is a leader in its category bringing together millions of people across the globe to connect, play and learn in an immersive environment. Our partnership to launch Roblox gift cards in Indonesia will make the game even more accessible to fans and open it up to new players to help build an even bigger community of interactive users.”  

With more than 88.9 million daily active users globally, Roblox is reimagining the way people come together to connect, create, and express themselves through immersive, interactive experiences. Every day, people around the world play, learn, communicate, and expand their friendships as they explore millions of user-generated digital experiences on Roblox.

About Blackhawk Network

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, egifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com.

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SOURCE Blackhawk Network (BHN)

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TuSimple Announces Rebranding to “CreateAI” and Unveils Major Advances in Generative AI

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December 19, 2024

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SAN DIEGO and BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TuSimple Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS: TSPH) (“TuSimple” or the “Company”), a global leader in artificial intelligence technology, today announced its official rebranding to CreateAI and major advancements in its new strategic initiatives. The rebranding reflects CreateAI’s renewed focus on transforming animation and video game industries through proprietary AI technologies and its integrated content development platform.  

CreateAI showed significant progress in generative AI research with the debut of its first major AI model, named “Ruyi”. The model, available open source on AI community “Hugging Face”, excels in frame consistency, motion fluency, color and composition quality. The decision to adopt an open-source model stems from CreateAI’s commitment to empower creators and foster a vibrant user ecosystem. The model, developed in under six months, leverages technological know-how building upon the Company’s autonomous driving expertise. It also lays the foundation for proprietary AI tools and infrastructure specifically created for video game and anime content development.

The Company has advanced rapidly since its entry into the digital entertainment content industry in August 2024. CreateAI announced the development of a “AAA” Open-World Role-Playing Game (RPG) based on the legendary Louis Cha intellectual property (IP) “Heroes of Jin Yong“. The game represents a significant evolution from previous adaptations of Louis Cha’s IP as it integrates characters and narratives from all of his influential literary works. This marks the unveiling of a cohesive world of heroes, moving beyond individual stories, and serving as a starting point for the creation of new original martial arts works. A preview event took place on December 14 in Guangzhou, China, garnering strong interest from fans and cementing its place as one of the most anticipated “AAA” games to be released.

“We are proud of the achievements we’ve made in the short amount of time since entering into the field,” said Cheng Lu, President and CEO of CreateAI. “We are confident that our integrated approach at the intersection of generative AI and digital entertainment creation is a differentiating factor, one that provides significant long-term growth opportunities.”

CreateAI has continued to advance its previously announced project related to the acclaimed “The Three-Body Problem”, partnering with the Japanese anime designer Shōji Kawamori, the “Father of Macross”, to ultimately bring this vast fantasy world to life through unprecedented visual and narrative depth via an animated feature film and video game.

Additionally, CreateAI has unveiled its latest business plan, showcasing the immense commercial value derived from today’s transformation and the industry’s total addressable market. The plan also outlines the historical industry challenges addressed by the company, technology milestones, commercialization pathways, and cohesive management team. It also emphasizes how the Company’s integrated strategy forms a flywheel effect in AI development, ultimately leading to long-term sustainable competitive advantage.

About CreateAI

CreateAI (formerly TuSimple) is a global artificial intelligence company with offices in US, China, and Japan. The company is pioneering the future of digital entertainment content production, seamlessly blending cutting-edge generative AI technology with the creativity of world-class talent. Our mission is to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in digital storytelling by developing immersive, captivating, and visually stunning experiences that resonate with audiences on a global scale.

CreateAI Media Contact:
Brad Burgess
ICR, LLC
Email: CreateAI.PR@icrinc.com 

 

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SOURCE CreateAI Holdings Inc

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Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia: Keynotes on Technology Trends and IT Excellence Announced for March Event in Brisbane

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December 19, 2024

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Info-Tech Research Group’s upcoming flagship IT conference, LIVE 2025 in Australia, is set to debut in the APAC region on March 18–19 in Brisbane. The event will showcase keynote sessions by Alan Neal and Hans Eckman, who will share forward-looking strategies and expert perspectives on navigating IT excellence and emerging technology trends.

SYDNEY, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Info-Tech Research Group has announced the second round of featured speakers for its flagship LIVE 2025 in Australia conference, taking place at the Hilton Brisbane, Australia, on March 18–19, 2025. Alan Neal, Division President, Vendor Services,  and Hans Eckman, Research Fellow, both of Info-Tech Research Group, join the list of keynote speakers bringing actionable insights to the region’s IT leaders.

The reveal of another round of speakers follows the recent announcement of speakers Aaron Shum and Gord Harrison and builds on the excitement surrounding Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia, which marks the event’s first debut in the APAC region. The conference aims to equip CIOs, IT professionals, and business leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to stay ahead in today’s dynamic technological landscape.

‘Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia is shaping up to be the go-to event for IT leaders across the APAC region,’ says George Khreish, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. ‘Alan Neal and Hans Eckman bring unique perspectives and proven expertise into systematic IT improvement and emerging technology trends, ensuring attendees will leave with actionable strategies to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of IT.’

The featured experts and sessions announced for LIVE 2025 in Australia include:

Alan Neal – Division President,  Vendor Services, Info-Tech Research Group
Alan Neal leads Info-Tech’s vendor evaluation and advisory division, SoftwareReviews, overseeing partnerships and growth strategy. Since joining Info-Tech in 2013, Neal has scaled the firm’s workshop program and enhanced delivery excellence.

Keynote Title: The CIO Playbook: 8 Secrets and 12 Steps to Systematically Achieve IT Excellence

Session Description: This keynote will unveil Info-Tech’s systematic improvement program, offering practical steps to optimise IT performance and align capabilities with organisational goals. Alan Neal will share eight key insights and a 12-step framework for transforming IT operations, driving efficiency, and achieving sustainable excellence.Hans Eckman – Research Fellow, Info-Tech Research Group
Hans Eckman specialises in connecting business strategy to operational excellence. At Info-Tech, he supports members in Agile and DevOps implementation, leadership development, and SDLC optimisation. A frequent keynote speaker, Eckman shares practical insights on transformation and simplification at events across North America.

Keynote Title: 2025 Tech Trends: What’s Coming and What to Do About It

Session Description: This keynote session will explore the emerging technology trends and external factors shaping the IT landscape in 2025. Drawing on insights from Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2025 report and the Future of IT 2025 survey, Hans Eckman will deliver actionable insights for IT leaders to navigate upcoming challenges, seize opportunities, and drive innovation.

What to Expect at LIVE 2025 in Australia

LIVE 2025 in Australia will deliver an unmatched opportunity for regional IT leaders to network, collaborate, and engage with industry experts. Key topics will include:

Leveraging emerging tech trends and generative AI advancements.Building resilient and adaptive IT teams.Accelerating digital transformation and operational excellence.

Attendees of Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia can expect interactive panels and engaging keynotes tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities facing IT professionals in the APAC region.

Media professionals looking to attend can apply for complimentary media passes by contacting pr@infotech.com.

For more information about the conference, please visit Info-Tech’s LIVE 2025 in Australia events page. Further details on the event theme, keynote speakers, and registration will be announced in the coming months. Follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

Media Contact
Sufyan Al-Hassan, Senior PR Manager
Info-Tech Research Group
salhassan@infotech.com | +1 (888) 670-8889 x2418

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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