The addition of former PepsiCo, Nielsen, and ESPN executive supercharges Ripple Street's ability to expand its data-driven solutions and create deeper consumer connections at scale for top brands and agency partners.

New York, NY, October 8, 2024

Ripple Street, the award-winning platform redefining how brands build connections with real people during their product discovery journeys, is thrilled to announce Vikram Somaya as its newest Board of Directors member. Most recently, Vikram served as Chief Data & Analytics Officer at PepsiCo, where he led innovative teams of data scientists and business innovators to fully optimize PepsiCo’s data value chain and drive enterprise-wide digital transformation.

“I can’t think of anyone better to join the board as we embark on this next transformative phase,” said Mike Leo, Ripple Street’s CEO. “When it comes to evaluating any business decision, Vikram relentlessly represents the voice of our customers—both brand marketers and consumers. He’s exceptional at approaching problems with data-driven rigor, which not only illuminates new pathways for growth but also enhances our platform strategy in meaningful ways. I’m eager to dive in with Vikram to unlock new avenues of growth that will elevate Ripple Street to new heights.”

Prior to PepsiCo, Vikram brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Nielsen and Senior Vice President, Global Data Officer at ESPN, where he spearheaded data strategies that enhanced consumer insights and drove innovative revenue models. His unique ability to rapidly adapt go-to-market solutions in response to shifting consumer needs will provide Ripple Street with a competitive edge as we expand strategic relationships with our clients. 

“The pace and nature of change in consumer behavior are unlike anything we’ve seen before,” Somaya said. “Brands face unprecedented competition—from category leaders and private labels to shifting macroeconomic trends—alongside dwindling consumer loyalty. Ripple Street is uniquely positioned to empower brands to navigate these challenges, providing robust capabilities to cultivate and sustain authentic relationships with a deeply engaged community of consumers. I am excited to collaborate with the team to enhance our value proposition by tapping into the rich insights derived from Ripple Street’s community. The potential for growth is limitless.” 

 As Ripple Street continues to innovate and expand, the addition of Vikram Somaya to the board marks a significant milestone in its commitment to providing top-tier solutions for brands and agency partners. His expertise in data and digital transformation will be instrumental in navigating the rapidly evolving marketplace, positioning Ripple Street as a leader in consumer engagement and brand loyalty. 

This story first appeared in Path to Purchase Institute.

About Ripple Street

Ripple Street is a consumer product discovery platform that connects brands with their next biggest fans. Passionate consumers join our community and apply to experience new products with their friends and family in the comfort of their homes. Brand Managers and Shopper Marketers from top companies such as Mondelez International, Anheuser-Busch, and General Mills partner with us to create unique consumer engagement journeys at scale. View our case studies here to learn how Ripple Street’s programs drive brand awareness, trips to retail and e-commerce, product trials, social content, product reviews, and sales. For more information, visit https://about.ripplestreet.com/.

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