NEW YORK – June 10, 2008 – LinkShare, a leading pay-per-action marketing network, announced that beginning today the company will be lead by Jonathan Levine, Chief Technology Officer of LinkShare, and Yasuhisa Iida ("Yaz" ), Executive Officer of Rakuten. They will serve as co-presidents.
The announcement was made by John J-H Kim, who currently serves as Interim President in addition to his role as Chairman of LinkShare’s board.
"Jonathan brings extensive knowledge of LinkShare’s technology and businesses to the organization’s presidency," said Kim. "His appointment emphasizes our commitment to technological innovation and leadership and comes at a time when LinkShare is delivering innovative new services for our advertiser and publisher partners."
Kim added: "Yaz brings deep experience with merchant services and sales from Rakuten, where he managed those functions during a period of great growth. As co-president he will direct LinkShare’s services, sales, network development and marketing, and continue to leverage Rakuten’s experience and resources as we grow and diversify our business."
John Kim will remain as Chairman of LinkShare’s board, but plans to step down from his executive roles at Rakuten and LinkShare on July 31. LinkShare will continue to focus its efforts on increasing the value of its network, expanding its international presence and building out its online marketing offerings.
LinkShare was founded in 1996 and acquired in 2005 by leading Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten. In recent years the company has expanded beyond affiliate marketing to provide search and lead generation services as well as support for video, rich media and mobile pay per action tracking to its customers.
About LinkShare
LinkShare Corporation provides ecommerce businesses with a wide range of online marketing services including Search Marketing (SEM), Lead Generation and Affiliate Marketing. Advertisers can increase their online sales by leveraging LinkShare’s massive performance marketing network along with expert consultative services and patented technology. Superior service combined with technology innovation allows advertisers and publishers to acquire and retain new customers, increase revenue and drive results.
LinkShare clients include Fortune 500 and other prominent and emerging companies doing business online, including J.C. Penney, 1-800-Flowers.com, American Express, and Avon Products. LinkShare was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in San Francisco, Chicago, London and Tokyo. LinkShare is a division of Rakuten, Inc.
About Rakuten, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Rakuten is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive Internet service companies, providing leading services in e-commerce, portal & media, travel, financial services, and professional sports. Rakuten focuses on new business development and increasing its scope in order to improve and diversify service offerings. Rakuten, Inc. is a publicly traded company in Japan (JASDAQ: 4755).
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