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In a significant move to bolster its governance and financial expertise, Rokt, a leading player in the ecommerce technology sector, has announced the addition of two seasoned finance professionals to its board and advisory group. Effective November 15, this strategic enhancement comes as Rokt prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO), reflecting its commitment to aligning with the standards expected of public technology companies.
David Obstler, currently the Chief Financial Officer of Datadog, joins Rokt’s board of directors and will lead the audit committee. Alongside him, Matt Briers, the former CFO of Wise, steps in as a board advisor and observer. Both executives bring extensive experience in finance, operations, and governance, which is crucial for Rokt’s next phase of growth.
New appointments enhance Rokt’s strategic direction
These new appointments are poised to provide invaluable insights as the company navigates the complexities of preparing for a public offering. Bruce Buchanan, the CEO of Rokt, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the appointments, noting, “David and Matt are exceptional leaders with proven track records guiding companies through transformation, scale, and public-market success.” Their expertise is expected to significantly contribute to Rokt’s strategy as it accelerates its global expansion.
David Obstler’s extensive finance background
David Obstler brings over three decades of operational finance experience to his new role at Rokt. Having served as a board advisor since 2025, his familiarity with the company will facilitate a smoother transition into his board member position. His previous roles include CFO positions at recognized firms such as TravelClick, MSCI Inc., and Risk Metrics Group, in addition to notable investment banking roles at JPMorgan, Lehman Brothers, and Goldman Sachs. Obstler holds a BA from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Obstler stated, “Having supported Rokt in an advisory role over the past four years, I am honored to now join the board and contribute to the company’s next phase of growth.” His leadership is expected to enhance Rokt’s financial oversight and governance structure.
Matt Briers: A proven leader in finance
Joining Obstler is Matt Briers, who recently served as CFO of Wise, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s rapid global growth and successful direct listing on the London Stock Exchange. His prior experience includes senior finance and strategy positions at industry giants like Google, Lloyds Banking Group, Bain & Company, and Capital One. Currently, Briers holds a position on the board of Qonto, a major FinTech company in Europe, and advises several fast-growing technology firms.
Briers commented on Rokt’s unique approach, stating, “Rokt’s ability to use technology and data science to create real customer value sets it apart in a crowded marketplace.” His insights will be instrumental as Rokt continues to scale globally and solidify its market position.
Rokt’s growth trajectory and future outlook
As Rokt prepares for potential public offerings, its impressive growth trajectory cannot be overlooked. The company reported substantial revenue of $600 million, marking a year-over-year increase of over 40%. Looking ahead, Rokt anticipates its network will facilitate over 7.5 billion transactions, establishing it as a formidable player in the ecommerce landscape.
Recently, Rokt has made headlines with strategic partnerships with well-known brands such as Ulta Beauty, Albertsons, and Macy’s, enhancing its operational capabilities. Additionally, the company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions of firms like Canal, mParticle, and Aftersell, further solidifying its competitive advantage in the market.
The strategic appointments of David Obstler and Matt Briers are set to reinforce Rokt’s governance and operational framework as the company prepares for its next chapter. With a strong focus on leveraging technology and data-driven insights, Rokt is well-positioned to navigate the evolving ecommerce landscape and achieve its ambitious goals.