Customer data platform MetaRouter appoints former Walmart executive Nikhil Raj as CEO

MetaRouter reports that Nikhil Raj, its current President, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

He brings to the role over two decades of experience in retail media, data and consumer technology underpinned by machine learning.

Raj co-founded Walmart’s ads business, WMX (now Walmart Connect) by solving problems around consumer data, privacy and compliance in advertising. He launched and led the global retail media practice at Bain, and also advised several large global PE funds on AdTech acquisitions.

At Moloco, he helped transform its commerce media business from a leader in Korea to a global operation serving customers across North America, APAC and Europe.

With three of the top 10 US retailers working with MetaRouter, the company is expanding into other consumer verticals like CPG, financial services, travel and hospitality. Raj’s priorities will centre on expanding the firm’s data infrastructure capabilities into the AI world, and enabling enterprises to leverage real-time data for personalisation, marketing and media.

“Tim has built an incredible culture and team that has established trust with the largest enterprise customers," he says "MetaRouter has enabled several Fortune 100 enterprises to take control of their customer data. It is an absolute honor and privilege to have the opportunity to partner with Tim and the rest of the team to take MetaRouter to the next level.”

“When considering how to maximise our probability of success as we scale, Nikhil stepping into this role was the answer," says Tim Brunk, Co-founder at MetaRouter. "What’s powerful is how Nikhil’s journey is MetaRouter - his time at Walmart, Bain, and Moloco has shaped the very approach we take to building secure data infrastructure. His background is woven into everything we do, creating a clear vision for how we help enterprises make the most of their data.”

Brunk, the former CEO who co-founded MetaRouter alongside Greg Brunk, Andrew Murray, Michael Yeager and Roxana Cristea, will remain engaged with the company in a founder role.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Customer data platforms will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

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