Execs and Accounts for May 5, 2003

Gardening products retailer Gardener’s Supply Company has implemented HitBox, WebSideStory’s marketing analytics tool, to optimize its internal search engine process. Gardener’s is using the analytics tool to test the effectiveness of two different internal search engines on its site: one it built itself and one it outsourced. Additionally, the company uses HitBox Commerce to optimize product placement, streamline navigation and eliminate bottlenecks in the purchase path.

“HitBox gave us real-time feedback on which search engine generated the most revenue and which products and brands each one sold,” said Jeff Govoni, director of e-commerce for the Burlington, Vermont-based company. “It has quickly become an integral part of our decision-making process.”

Online marketing firm Responsys has appointed Helen Roberts VP of engineering and operations. Prior to joining Responsys, Roberts was executive VP in charge of operations for BenefitAmerica, where she built and managed the product development, client services and IT organization. She also served a stint at ADP, as VP of marketing and client services in the employer services division.

“With over 20 years of experience in customer relationship management and information technology, Helen’s vision and leadership will enable Responsys to rapidly bring to market and service the next generation of solutions for online marketers,” said Responsys CEO Howard Koenig.

Consumer electronics marketer Crutchfield Corporation has tapped ProRanking.com to provide search engine marketing services as part of the company’s overall Internet marketing and branding effort.

“After reviewing many search engine optimization firms, we decided to work with ProRanking.com,” said Alan Rimm-Kaufman, vice president of marketing for Crutchfield. “We look forward to great success in this important area.”

For more breaking news on account action and executive moves, visit ChannelSeven.com.