Merkle (www.merkle.com), a leading technology enabled, data driven customer relationship marketing (CRM) firm and the nation’s largest privately held agency, today announced the appointment of Shep Parke to vice president, client partner, retail consumer goods. Parke is a seasoned customer relationship marketing professional with over 25 years’ experience in the retail and consumer goods markets.

Parke serves as a partner to Merkle’s key retail and consumer goods clients, helping them utilize data, analytics and technology to develop effective and strategic CRM solutions. Parke’s mission is to improve clients’ success by driving business growth and promoting customer engagement across digital and offline media and channels.

 “Merkle’s unique and innovative approach to data driven customer marketing, digital, creative and communications creates new growth opportunities for retailers,” said Parke. “I am excited to join the Merkle team to deliver to our clients the customer-centric solutions that improve financial results and create competitive advantage.”

Prior to Merkle, Parke was a managing principal with GrowthOps, an Atlanta-based next generation business insights firm. Prior to GrowthOps, Parke spent thirteen years with Accenture, where he was the global lead for Accenture’s Customer Data Management practice. In this role, Shep and his team collaborated with clients across industries to operationalize customer data and insight analytics operationally.

“Shep’s extensive knowledge of the retail consumer goods and CRM industries makes him a perfect fit for further developing long-lasting relationships with our clients,” said Mike Mojica, SVP, GM Retail Consumer Goods, Merkle. “Shep is a strong addition to our leadership team and his winning personality and passion for his clients make him a great cultural fit within the Merkle family.”