Austin, February 6, 2026
Austin’s tech sector strengthens as several prominent companies announce key executive appointments. This wave of leadership changes signals growing innovation and strategic vision in the city, with organizations positioning themselves for future success in a competitive marketplace. Major firms like RetailMeNot, ClearDATA, and Vapor IO highlight the trend, attracting seasoned leaders to navigate the evolving tech environment.
January 2026 Executive Appointments Boost Austin’s Tech Sector
New leadership shifts signal continued growth in Austin’s innovative landscape
Austin, Texas – In a clear indicator of the bustling tech environment within the city, several Austin-based technology companies made headlines in January 2026 by announcing significant executive appointments. These strategic changes reflect the increasing appeal of Austin as a destination for seasoned professionals eager to shape the future of various sectors, particularly in technology and innovation.
As the heart of Texas, Austin has become synonymous with entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Local companies are positioning themselves for success by revitalizing leadership teams, a move that showcases the benefits of fostering an environment with minimal regulatory barriers on business operations. Innovative strategies and leadership transitions, driven by individuals with proven track records, prepare these companies to tackle the challenges of a constantly evolving market.
RetailMeNot Appoints New CEO
RetailMeNot has announced the promotion of Marissa Tarleton to Chief Executive Officer, effective January 7. Tarleton, who previously served as Chief Marketing Officer since 2015, takes over from founder Cotter Cunningham, who will remain as chairman of the board. This leadership change reflects RetailMeNot’s commitment to advancing its strategic vision and operational efficiency.
ClearDATA Enhances Leadership Team
ClearDATA, a major player in health technology, has strengthened its leadership by hiring Michael Donohue as Chief Marketing Officer and Dean Fredenburgh as Chief Revenue Officer. Donohue brings over 25 years of experience, including his previous role as CEO at Axial Exchange, while Fredenburgh enhances the team with his extensive sales leadership in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
8am (Formerly AffiniPay) Welcomes New Chief Growth Officer
8am, previously known as AffiniPay, has appointed Tom West as Chief Growth Officer. West, the founder and former CEO of Springbox, will lead the company’s growth strategy, including an ambitious plan to expand its team by 60 members, leveraging his deep experience in scaling businesses.
RF Code Appoints Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
RF Code has strengthened its team by naming David Williams as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Portfolio Strategy at CA Technologies, Williams is expected to enhance RF Code’s strategic initiatives and accelerate business growth.
Vapor IO Names Chief Operating Officer
Vapor IO recently appointed Jacques Greyling as Chief Operating Officer. With 15 years at Rackspace under his belt, including a role as Senior Vice President of Global Infrastructure, Greyling is poised to lead customer services as the company seeks to expand into over 100 new markets.
YETI Announces First Chief Marketing Officer
YETI has appointed Melisa Goldie as its first Chief Marketing Officer. With a strong background as Global Chief Marketing Officer at Calvin Klein, Goldie will direct YETI’s marketing strategies, aiming to further enhance the brand’s presence in the outdoor and lifestyle markets.
Olono Appoints Chief Revenue Officer
Olono, an innovative startup focused on AI-powered virtual sales assistance, has named Matt Curtin as Chief Revenue Officer. Curtin brings two decades of sales leadership experience, having worked with various successful companies, which will likely enhance Olono’s revenue growth initiatives.
DISCO Welcomes Vice President of Human Resources
DISCO, a leading e-discovery platform for law firms, has appointed Aaron Trull as Vice President of Human Resources. With extensive HR experience at multiple tech companies, Trull will manage the firm’s HR strategies as DISCO plans to hire up to 150 employees over three years.
JASK Expands Special Operations Team
JASK, specializing in cybersecurity, has expanded its special operations team by bringing in six industry veterans from esteemed organizations such as IBM’s X-Force and the U.S. Department of Defense. This move enhances JASK’s capabilities in threat analysis and cybersecurity response.
Background Context
Austin’s tech sector continues to attract top talent, highlighting its status as a growing hub for technology and business development. The recent executive appointments underscore the ongoing innovation and leadership that Austin companies are championing, reinforcing their competitive edge in the marketplace.
FAQ
What is the significance of these executive appointments in Austin’s tech industry?
These appointments highlight Austin’s growing appeal as a destination for seasoned professionals, reflecting the city’s dynamic and expanding tech sector.
Which companies in Austin have recently announced new executive hires?
Companies such as RetailMeNot, ClearDATA, 8am (formerly AffiniPay), RF Code, Vapor IO, YETI, Olono, DISCO, and JASK have recently announced significant executive appointments.
How do these leadership changes impact the companies involved?
The new executives are expected to drive strategic initiatives, foster growth, and enhance operational efficiency within their respective organizations.
Key Features
| Company | New Executive | Position | Previous Role | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RetailMeNot | Marissa Tarleton | Chief Executive Officer | Chief Marketing Officer | (builtinaustin.com) |
| ClearDATA | Michael Donohue | Chief Marketing Officer | CEO at Axial Exchange | (builtinaustin.com) |
| ClearDATA | Dean Fredenburgh | Chief Revenue Officer | Led healthcare and life sciences sales at Amazon Web Services | (builtinaustin.com) |
| 8am (formerly AffiniPay) | Tom West | Chief Growth Officer | Founder and former CEO of Springbox | (builtinaustin.com) |
| RF Code | David Williams | Vice President of Strategy and Business Development | Senior Vice President of Portfolio Strategy at CA Technologies | (builtinaustin.com) |
| Vapor IO | Jacques Greyling | Chief Operating Officer | Senior Vice President of Global Infrastructure at Rackspace | (builtinaustin.com) |
| YETI | Melisa Goldie | Chief Marketing Officer | Global Chief Marketing Officer at Calvin Klein | (builtinaustin.com) |
| Olono | Matt Curtin | Chief Revenue Officer | Sales leadership roles at Kinnser Software, Bazaarvoice, and FreeMarkets | (builtinaustin.com) |
| DISCO | Aaron Trull | Vice President of Human Resources | HR roles at Bazaarvoice, Dell, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, and Ernst & Young | (builtinaustin.com) |
| JASK | Various Industry Veterans | Special Operations Team Members | Former positions at IBM’s X-Force, RiskIQ, and the U.S. Department of Defense | (builtinaustin.com) |
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