Latest news with #Alorica
Zawya
01-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
iSON Xperiences Appoints Ricardo Langwieder as Chief Sales Officer to Drive Growth and Innovation
iSON Xperiences ( a global leader in AI-powered digital customer experience (CX) and BPO solutions, has appointed Ricardo Langwieder as its Chief Sales Officer. Ricardo will join the executive committee and lead the company's global expansion, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships. With over 25 years of international corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Ricardo is a recognized expert in customer experience (CX), digital transformation, and business process outsourcing (BPO). He has held leadership roles at global companies such as Alorica, Majorel, EXL, Stream, and Philips, driving high-impact growth and transformation initiatives. A key proponent of offshoring and nearshoring businesses into Africa, he has been instrumental in positioning the region as a hub for high-quality, cost-effective CX solutions. 'We are excited to welcome Ricardo to iSON Xperiences,' said Vitul Kwatra, CEO of iSON Xperiences. 'As we continue to evolve with AI-powered digital CX and BPO solutions, Ricardo's expertise in offshoring CX operations to Africa and his strategic vision will be pivotal. His leadership will strengthen our market expansion, create value for clients, and reinforce Africa's role as a key player in the CX industry.' Ricardo has played a significant role in attracting international clients and investments to Africa, advocating for its potential as a global CX and BPO hub. His expertise in structuring offshore delivery models and scaling BPO operations aligns with iSON Xperiences' mission to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable economic impact. 'I am thrilled to be joining iSON Xperiences at such a transformative stage,' said Ricardo Langwieder, Chief Sales Officer. 'The company's dedication to AI-driven CX innovation, its strong African presence, and client-centric approach set it apart. I look forward to leveraging my experience in offshoring and nearshoring to drive business growth, expand global influence, and contribute to economic opportunities across the region.' Ricardo's appointment underscores iSON Xperiences' commitment to attracting top industry talent and reinforcing its leadership in AI-powered CX solutions across global markets. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSON Xperiences. About iSON Xperiences: iSON Xperiences is a global leader in AI-driven Customer Experience solutions, empowering businesses with intelligent automation, data-driven insights, and digital transformation. Operating in 22 countries with 18,000 professionals, iSON specializes in Telecom, BFSI, Healthcare, Fintech, and Retail—driving business growth, operational efficiency, and CX innovation across Africa, the Middle East, UK, France, US and India.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PROGRESS 2025: Small business growth continues in Bluefield
Small business growth is still going strong in Nature's Air-Conditioned City. Last year the city of Bluefield welcomed 30 new businesses, many of which were smaller businesses, according to the annual report of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority. Of the 30 new businesses, the report found that six represented the food industry, four were retail, eight were within the service industry category and one was a medical industry business. BEDA's 2024 report was delivered to the Bluefield Board of Directors in February, Jim Spencer, executive director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority (BEDA), said. 'I think it is good to give yourself a grade card on everything you are working on,' Spencer said in reference to the annual report, which detailed BEDA efforts throughout the city. In the new report, Spencer, who is retiring in April as the BEDA Director, said the city saw various businesses open their doors as well as remodel their facilities for grand reopenings. Spencer said BEDA's goal is to take a proactive approach to fostering a new, sustainable regional economy. This is accomplished by supporting development, advancing business and industry, cultivating talent, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation and attracting new industries. A number of key projects are highlighted in the report, including the Prosperity Hub in downtown Bluefield operated by Intuit and Alorica. It serves as a customer service hub for Intuit's TurboTax, QuickBooks and Mint platforms. Currently Alorica has more than 300 employees working at the Prosperity Hub. Intuit and Alorica have continued to create opportunities for local businesses while actively searching for ways to connect and serve the community, according to the BEDA report. The report goes on to say that Intuit and Alorica have partnered with BEDA and the city to offer various office hour workshops such as the 'Intro to Financial Fundamentals for Small Business Owners.' Intuit and Alorica also have hosted various events across the city, including Pop Retail events and blood drives, and have participated in local festivals. The report also highlights the recently completed demolition project along the city's 400 block and the rebuild effort that will be getting underway this summer. It also highlights the Commercialization Station project on Bluefield Avenue. According to the report, the 60,000-square-foot facility is nearly at full capacity with four current tenants. The planning process is underway to further develop the sixth bay of the facility to provide additional space for potential tenants. The report also details BEDA's business facade plan. BEDA submitted a Congressional Directed Spending Request for the facade project, which was approved. The funding was used to create a local facade program to assist area businesses. Each participating business is eligible for 50 percent matched funding up to a maximum of $15,000 and will be paid on a reimbursement basis. As an example, the report said if a business owner participates in the program and spends $20,000 on facade improvements, they would be eligible under the program for a $10,000 reimbursement. The goal of the program is to beautify the city, boost foot traffic throughout the commercial district and to attract new businesses to the area. The report also looked at the success of BEDA's new Food Truck Incubator Program. According to the report, BEDA and its partners applied for an ARC Power Grant in 2022 to launch the region-wide food truck incubator plan, which was funded for $400,000 by the federal agency. The food truck incubator is designed to serve Mercer, McDowell, Monroe, Fayette, Nicholoas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster and Wyoming counties. The program aims to place aspiring entrepreneurs within the region who successfully apply for and complete BEDA's training in a food truck for 60 days to test their menu and hone their skills, according to the BEDA report. — Contact Charles Owens at cowens@ Follow him @BDTOwens
