EVP, Commercial Strategy

The EVP of Global Commercial Strategy & Operations will lead Acxiom's centralized commercial authority function, with initial operational focus on the US market. This strategic role is responsible for establishing and enforcing robust commercial governance frameworks, managing commercial decision-making, preventing revenue leakage, and ensuring all commercial activities align with Acxiom's revenue and strategic objectives. The EVP will build and lead a high-performing team while establishing scalable best practices for potential expansion to international markets.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Commercial Authority & Strategic Governance

• Serve as the primary commercial authority for all commercial questions relating to Acxiom data and services, making decisions within established approval thresholds and escalating high-impact matters to executive leadership
• Design, develop, and implement commercial models, pricing frameworks, discount matrices, and revenue recognition structures that balance client incentivization with Acxiom's revenue objectives
• Provide expert commercial judgment, challenge assumptions, and act as an impartial arbiter for commercial disputes

Systems, Process & Legal Integration

• Take ownership of all commercial control systems and consolidate into a unified system; implement automation to reduce approval cycles
• Establish a unified commercial management system as the single source of truth for all Acxiom Direct and Omnicom Agency commercial requests
• Coordinate with Legal and Compliance teams to validate all commercial terms align with organizational policies

Finance & Revenue Protection

• Work proactively with Finance leadership across Omnicom to establish clear protocols around Acxiom data commercials
• Identify and prevent revenue leakage across all commercial channels through monthly reviews and comprehensive tracking

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Build and lead a high-performing Commercial Finance & Operations team; as first priority, identify existing talent across the organization (Finance, Sales Support, Product Strategy, Data Partnerships) who should transition into the function based on commercial expertise and deal structuring knowledge
• Develop team members' commercial and leadership capabilities; foster a culture of disciplined commercial decision-making
• Serve as primary liaison between commercial stakeholders and Acxiom leadership; facilitate coordination with Finance, Sales, Legal, Compliance, Data/Partnerships, and Solution Strategy
• Conduct informational sessions to educate stakeholders on governance frameworks, commercial processes, and compliance requirements

Data, Analytics & Reporting

• Ensure all commercial inquiries and outcomes are tracked within the unified system; analyze trends to inform policy adjustments
• Provide monthly reporting to ELT on commercial activity, trends, policy effectiveness, and revenue impact
• Develop and articulate compelling commercial propositions positioning Acxiom data as the preferred, economically advantageous choice

International Development

• Develop commercial governance best practices applicable to international markets; serve as consultative resource to international business leaders on governance approaches
• Position the function as a center of excellence for commercial governance best practices globally

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Minimum 10 years of commercial management, deal management, or commercial strategy experience in B2B or technology environments
• Proven experience building and leading cross-functional teams with demonstrated ability to enforce governance frameworks
• Deep understanding of commercial models, pricing strategies, and revenue recognition with strong financial acumen and P&L management experience
• Expert commercial judgment with ability to challenge assumptions and make sound decisions independently
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills at executive level with demonstrated ability to work in matrix organizations
• Understanding of legal, compliance, and risk management considerations in commercial decisions

Preferred:

• Experience in data, technology, or professional services industries; background in agency or partnership management
• Experience establishing or scaling governance frameworks across organizations; knowledge of commercial systems
• Multi-market or international commercial management experience; track record with commercial process standardization and optimization

CORE COMPETENCIES

Commercial Acumen – Deep expertise in commercial models, pricing, and deal structuring with ability to translate strategy into executable frameworks

Stakeholder Management – Influences at multiple organizational levels; builds trust and credibility with diverse constituencies

Leadership & Team Building – Attracts and develops talented professionals; creates high-performing teams with clear accountability

Strategic Thinking – Balances tactical execution with strategic vision; anticipates trends and adapts commercial strategy

Analytical Rigor – Data-driven decision-making; translates complex situations into clear recommendations

Integrity & Authority – Demonstrates strong ethical standards; makes difficult decisions with conviction

Process Orientation – Establishes clear processes and governance; ensures consistent policy application

Financial Acumen – Assesses financial impact of commercial decisions and manages P&L implications

Change Management – Successfully navigates organizational change and builds adoption of new frameworks

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports: Global Commercial Finance & Operations team members
Key Stakeholders: CFO, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, Head of Client/Sales, Head of Data/Partnerships, Solution Strategy Leadership

Location: New York, NY or Conway, ARK | Travel: Up to 15% domestically and internationally as needed

Primary Location City/State:

New York, New York

Additional Locations (if applicable):

Conway

Acxiom is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status (EOE/Vet/Disabled) and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, promotion or other employment of associates or the awarding of subcontracts because of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, protected veteran, military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics or other protected status.

Attention California Applicants:  Please see our CCPA/CPRA Privacy Act notice here.

Attention Colorado, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington Applicants: This position is not located in the aforementioned locations but applications for remote work may be considered. For information about this role under state or local equal pay or pay transparency laws, please contact [email protected].