Outreach Bolsters Leadership Team with New CRO and CMO Amidst Restructuring
Outreach, a Seattle-based sales automation software company, has appointed Nadia Rashid as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Holly Simmons as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). These appointments mark a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to recalibrate its strategy and navigate a shifting market landscape. Rashid brings extensive experience in sales leadership, having served as a senior vice president at Seismic, another sales enablement platform, and previously holding a VP of sales position at Marketo. Simmons, a seasoned marketing executive, joins Outreach from Diligent, where she served as global vice president of product marketing, and boasts a strong track record with industry giants like Oracle, ServiceNow, and SAP. Both Rashid and Simmons will report directly to Abhijit Mitra, who took the helm as CEO in September 2023, succeeding co-founder Manny Medina, who transitioned to the role of executive chairman. These leadership additions come as Outreach adapts to market dynamics and implements cost-cutting measures, resulting in a recent shift in its ranking on the GeekWire 200, a list of privately held startups in the Pacific Northwest. The company, which has raised nearly $500 million in funding and employs close to 700 people, is looking to leverage the expertise of its new leadership team to drive revenue growth and strengthen its market position.
Synthesia Appoints Seasoned Tech Leader Peter Hill as CTO Following Substantial Funding Round
Synthesia, a London-based company specializing in AI-powered video generation for enterprise communications, has appointed Peter Hill as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Hill, a technology veteran with a 25-year tenure at Amazon, including a vice president role at Amazon Web Services (AWS), brings a wealth of experience in scaling technology infrastructure and leading product development. Prior to joining Synthesia, Hill served as Chief Product Officer and subsequently CEO at Seattle-based mobile gaming company Wildlife Studios. This strategic appointment coincides with Synthesia’s successful closure of a $180 million funding round, a testament to the growing interest and investment in AI-driven video technologies. The funding round, supported by existing investors like GV and new backers including WiL (World Innovation Lab), Atlassian Ventures, and PSP Growth, will fuel Synthesia’s continued innovation and expansion in the rapidly evolving enterprise communication landscape. Hill’s leadership will be instrumental in driving Synthesia’s technological advancements and shaping the future of AI-powered video communication.
Fred Hutch Cancer Center Researchers Secure Significant Funding for Critical Health Initiatives
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle has announced significant research awards and project funding for several faculty members, highlighting the institution’s commitment to advancing cancer research and addressing critical health disparities. Dr. Geoffrey Hill, a renowned expert in transplant immunology, has been awarded the Leonard and Norma Klorfine Endowed Chair for Clinical Research. This prestigious endowed chair will provide crucial support for Dr. Hill’s ongoing research, enabling him to explore innovative approaches to improve outcomes for transplant recipients. The funding will facilitate groundbreaking investigations into the complex interplay between the immune system and transplanted organs, paving the way for more effective and targeted therapies.
Furthermore, biostatistician Peter Gilbert and his team have received a substantial $17 million grant from the Center for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to spearhead research on the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines. This funding will empower the team to delve into novel vaccine strategies, including exploring new vaccine platforms and addressing emerging variants, to enhance long-term protection against the virus. This research is vital for bolstering global pandemic preparedness and mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.
In a significant effort to address health disparities and improve outcomes for underserved communities, Lonnie A. Nelson, Dr. Jason Mendoza, and Myra Parker have been awarded a $16.7 million grant over five years from the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). This funding will support targeted interventions within Indigenous communities, focusing on critical health issues such as smoking cessation and lung cancer screening. The initiative aims to reduce health disparities by providing culturally sensitive and community-based programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
These research awards and project funding represent a substantial investment in advancing scientific knowledge, improving patient care, and addressing critical health disparities. The Fred Hutch Cancer Center continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration to improve the lives of individuals affected by cancer and other health challenges. The diverse range of research projects reflects the institution’s commitment to tackling complex health issues and promoting health equity for all. The funding will empower researchers to pursue groundbreaking discoveries and develop innovative strategies to improve outcomes and reduce health disparities in communities both locally and globally. The Fred Hutch Cancer Center remains at the forefront of scientific advancement and is dedicated to translating research findings into tangible improvements in patient care and public health.
