VerticalNet names Joe Galli as president, CEO
Former Amazon.com president and chief operating officer succeeds Mark Walsh, who has been appointed chairman.
Water Online's parent company, VerticalNet, Inc., has found a new president and chief executive officer in Joseph Galli, Jr.
Formerly Amazon.com's president and COO, Galli will be charged with executing the company's global growth and integration plans, while Mark Walsh, VerticalNet's former president and CEO, and newly appointed chairman, will be responsible for the company's overall strategy.
Michael Hagan, a co-founder of VerticalNet, will continue as chief operating officer.
Galli was at the center of Amazon's e-commerce revolution
"Great companies know when to add power, and as president and CEO, Joe is capable of capitalizing on VerticalNet's tremendous momentum while managing our fast-paced growth," said Walsh. "At Amazon.com, Joe was at the center of the e-commerce revolution, and his previous experience at Black & Decker provided him the skills and background to manage a large global organization in an industrial marketplace. Joe is ideally suited to lead VerticalNet forward as we continue to aggressively build on our market-leading position and international expansion strategy."
"VerticalNet is an extraordinary company, and I am extremely excited about the opportunities ahead. Our goal is to dramatically expand VerticalNet's impact on e-commerce and build the company into a driving B2B force," said Galli. "We have an unprecedented opportunity to serve our customers, suppliers and partners while building outstanding shareholder value with the unique and highly regarded VerticalNet platform. I am particularly impressed with the exceptional management team in place today. The organization is filled with highly skilled managers and executives who are passionate about the vision."
" . . . the best B2B e-commerce company"
"The addition of Joe to our management team is an affirmation of the vision we aspired to in 1995 to become the best B2B e-commerce company. The combination of Joe Galli and Mark Walsh gives VerticalNet depth of experience that creates an unparalleled competitive edge," said Mike Hagan, co-founder and chief operating officer.
In early 1999, Galli joined Amazon.com delivering a wealth of his extensive global operating experience and widely recognized leadership skills. Over the last 13 months, he is credited with recruiting an outstanding senior management team, globalizing the company and setting forth a path toward operational excellence.
Previous to Amazon.com, Galli had a highly successful 19-year career with Black & Decker. Galli moved up through the sales and marketing system at Black & Decker and became president of Black & Decker Power Tools at the age of 35 and president of Black & Decker Worldwide in 1995. Galli is credited with developing and launching the DeWalt brand of industrial power tools. Additionally, Galli is credited with reengineering Black & Decker's European, Asian and Latin American operations. At Black & Decker, Galli was recognized as a motivational leader who built a highly energized sales and marketing machine renowned throughout the industry.
Current Board Chairman Doug Alexander, CEO of ICG Europe, was named vice chairman of VerticalNet.
Edited by Tracy Fabre
Editor, Water Online