Visible Results Appoints Marketing Executive To Lead American Operations
Auckland May 15, 2001 – Direct marketing technology specialists, Visible Results today reinforced the growth of its
United States network with the appointment of consumer marketing executive Gerald Lewis as chairman of its US
subsidiary.
The veteran retail and consumer marketing consultant has been appointed chairman of Visible Results USA Inc.
Mr. Lewis, previously chief executive of CDI Group Inc., a New York-based international retail consulting and design
organisation, will be responsible for the introduction of the unique Visible Results GraphiCard™ loyalty technology into
the US retailing, foodservice and hospitality markets.
Visible Results is now able to introduce the technology into the US by virtue of its recent acquisition of Graphicard
Systems International (GSI) of Kansas City. The purchase included the worldwide intellectual property patents to the
unique technology that underlies all of the Visible Results GraphiCard™ programs.
Visible Results last week announced a contract to supply 650,000 thermal read/write loyalty cards to True Value - the
world’s largest independent chain of hardware stores. True Value has 6000 global outlets and is based in Atlanta.
“We are delighted to have an executive of Gerry’s calibre and reputation join our company,” said Mr. Whittaker. “He is
well known and respected for his expertise in both retail and consumer marketing, which is important when you are
introducing something as futuristic as our retail CRM technology.”
In his new post, Mr. Lewis will report directly to Michael Whittaker, president and CEO of the Visible Results Group of
Companies. The parent company is headquartered in New Zealand and has offices in Australia, Singapore, Japan and Kansas
in the United States. Mr. Lewis will be based in the company’s new New York office in Manhattan.
The company’s loyalty card programs have already been implemented at such major companies as Mobil Oil in New Zealand,
Caltex Oil in Singapore, Dymocks Booksellers and KFC in Australia, as well as Murasaki restaurants in Japan.
“Visible Results is on the cusp of spectacular growth in the United States. I have never been as excited by a new retail
development as I am by this card,” Mr. Lewis commented. “The potential for generating major sales increases for
retailers is enormous. The unique consumer appeal of the card, combined with the cost and marketing benefits it provides
to retailers, will set a new standard for loyalty retailing in the US.”
In his more than 28 years at CDI, Mr. Lewis gained the reputation as a leader in the development, design and
implementation of retail concepts, programs and facilities. Prior to that, he worked extensively in consumer goods
marketing as both a consultant and corporate executive.
Recognised for his efforts in the development of successful marketing programs for manufacturers and retailers, Mr.
Lewis was involved with an extensive range of products, including books, compact discs, cosmetics, diapers, intimate
apparel, men’s/boy’s/children’s hosiery, musical sound modification equipment, panty hose and shoe cleaning products.
Prior to becoming a consultant, Mr. Lewis was president of the Indian Head Hosiery Company division of Indian Head,
Inc., and was executive vice president of the National Mills division of U.S. Industries, Inc. At age 34, he was named
chairman of the Board of the National Association of Hosiery manufacturers.
Visible Results USA’s New York office is located at 230 Park Avenue, Suite 630, New York.