Greg Pierson
Retired CEO (Fraud Management, Authentication, Internet Security)
Being spotlighted as the 'Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist' by Ernst and Young is an accolade many covet, but for Greg Pierson, while this recognition for his remarkable growth and innovation is cherished, the real pride lies in team achievements. Under his guidance, his recent enterprise secured numerous commendations, with notable accolades including 'Fraud Prevention Winner' by InfoSecurity Products Guide, 'Identity Innovation Winner' by IDnext, and 'Authentication & Identity Winner' by Fortress Cyber Security.
By 2018, he had been the stalwart leader of iovation for 14 transformative years. At this pivotal point, a staggering 35,000 global brands turned to iovation, leveraging its avant-garde device-centric intelligence for top-tier authentication and fraud prevention. The numbers were awe-inspiring, with iovation screening innumerable transactions and neutralizing over half a million fraudulent activities daily.
This robust performance made it a prime acquisition target. Come June 2018, TransUnion welcomed iovation into its fold, setting the stage for an exhilarating fusion of device and identity intelligence. This merger was not merely transactional but was seen as a gateway to harnessing untapped potentials and sculpting state-of-the-art services that would redefine consumer security and experiences.
The driving force behind iovation's meteoric rise was undoubtedly its vibrant culture and devoted personnel. At the acquisition's helm, two in ten employees had dedicated over half a decade, with one in ten celebrating a decade-long association. The organization's allure was evident with the 'retreads'—a charming 10% of the workforce who, having ventured elsewhere, inevitably returned, drawn by iovation's unparalleled ethos. Their commitment to celebrating employee milestones was legendary, with one such jubilant tale involving an employee's adventurous escapade swimming with South Africa's majestic great white sharks.
Post the acquisition, he seamlessly donned the CEO mantle for another year before aiding TransUnion in its leadership transition. He subsequently played a pivotal strategic role before bidding adieu at 2020's end.
Post his illustrious CEO tenure, Greg channeled his energies towards guiding emerging CEOs, dispensing advisory wisdom, and spearheading startup investments. Regardless of the entity's scale, his expertise remained a constant: internet-centric services and sophisticated data analytics. His engagements, ranging from funding prospects like ChemDirect, Qlash, and OpenContext, are underscored by his passion for interacting with and nurturing zealous individuals, empowering them with the same dynamism that propelled his enterprises.