DEARBORN — ChannelNet, a provider of digital customer engagement and retention products and services, has named Chris Sims chief technology officer and Joe Karle vice president of account management for the midwestern United States and Canada.
Sims was previously ChannelNet’s chief software architect. In his new role, he oversees research, development and technology trends related to ChannelNet’s patented platform, Sitebuilder. He is also responsible for working with clients and their technical staff on integrations, system goals and planning. His technical experience covers software architecture and design patterns for web-based and mobile software technology, web API, mobile applications and responsive web design. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.
Karle is responsible for the leadership and success of ChannelNet’s overall client relationships in the midwest and Canada. His accounts include Ally Financial Inc., Hyundai Capital America Canada, Harley-Davidson Financial Services and the UAW Benefit Trust. He has more than 25 years of digital marketing experience, including leading accounts at companies such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Chrysler Financial, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Delphi, Honeywell, Samsung, Staples, Hilton Worldwide, Campbell Soup Co. and Pepperidge Farm. Previously, Karle was the executive account and client relationship lead for Ignite Social Media, where he was responsible for Lenovo, Staples, On The Border Grill, American Heart Association, ConAgra Foods, Daisy Brands, Kelly Services and the La-Z-Boy accounts. He has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University.
In a separate organizational move, Greg Lesko was named senior project manager. Lesko works with ChannelNet customers and the company’s internal creative, usability and technical teams to manage the launch and ongoing enhancements of customer life cycle solutions. He has more than 10 years of experience. Previously, he has worked for Hewlett Packard, General Motors, Electronic Data Systems and Ally Bank. Lesko received a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in public relations from Wayne State University.
ChannelNet software-as-a-service to connect brands and their respective retail outlets with their customers to sell products and services through local brick-and-mortar sales channels. The privately held company, founded more than 30 years ago, is based in Dearborn. More at www.channelnet.com.