New Enterprise Associates (NEA) has appointed Paul Palmieri, the founder and former chairman and chief executive of Millennial Media, as venture advisor.
Palmieri served as the company's president and CEO from its start in 2006 until January 2014. He brings to NEA more than 20 years of experience spanning mobile, ad tech, data analytics, and the app economy.
"Paul is among the most accomplished, respected and forward-thinking entrepreneurs in the digital advertising industry, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the NEA team," says Patrick Kerins, NEA general partner and co-head of the firm's technology practice. "He will be a tremendous resource to our partnership and to companies in our current portfolio, bringing a wealth of insight in key areas like mobile location, ad targeting, media effectiveness, and digital profiles, as well as deep relationships with key marketers, agencies, and technology companies. His experience also includes building some of the industry's best app developer programs at both Millennial Media and Verizon Wireless."
Palmieri was named CEO of the Year in 2013 by Smart CEO Magazine, was the 2010 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Maryland, and was awarded the American Business Award (The Stevie Award) as Executive of the Year in Media 2011. He has served as chair emeritus of the Mobile Marketing Association, board member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), and as a member of CTIA's Wireless Internet Caucus Executive Council.
"As someone who is incredibly passionate about innovation, mobile technology and entrepreneurship, I'm thrilled to join a firm that not only shares that passion but is a driving force in the mobile technology platform transition as one of the sector's leading investors," says Palmieri. "I've worked closely with NEA for many years as an entrepreneur, and I am looking forward to this new role and the opportunity to help fuel the next wave of mobile technology innovation that transforms consumer behaviour and businesses."