jiwire

Kevin McKenzie

Founder & CEO

JiWire, Inc. was founded by Kevin McKenzie, who brings to the company 13 years of experience in online publishing and commerce in the technology industry. With a passion for technology products, and the wireless industry in particular, Kevin is a pioneer of media and online commerce.

Prior to founding the company, Kevin was the senior vice president of CNET Networks' Shopping Services, which include its three Web sites developed to support tech buyers through every phase of the purchasing process: CNET, ZDNet Shopper, and mySimon. The sites integrate trusted editorial, including news and product reviews, with a powerful technology product data engine to fuel the decision-making and buying processes for a variety of tech audiences, from IT professionals and business decision makers, to people who rely on technology in their personal lives.

Prior to heading CNET's Shopping Services, Kevin was senior vice president of CNET Channel, a business unit of CNET Networks and a provider of online technology product data, sales tools, and services for companies throughout the IT supply chain.

Kevin played a key role in the success of CNET Networks since he joined the company in 1996. He wrote the business plan and developed the product for CNET's leads model, formed CNET's first content syndication/circulation team, and oversaw several acquisitions.

Prior to joining CNET Networks, Kevin held the position of online marketing manager at Internet Shopping Network, the first online computer superstore in the world. He joined ISN as the third employee in 1994 and pioneered some of the first e-commerce marketing on the Web.

Nihad Hafiz

President & COO

Nihad Hafiz has over 20 years of experience within the IT industry where he acquired and developed a broad range of experience in e-business solutions, e-commerce, technical systems management, information systems development, operations, marketing and management.

Before joining JiWire, Nihad served as CIO and Executive Vice President of E-Commerce at MicroWarehouse. At MicroWarehouse Nihad was responsible for internal technology operations, telecom operations and information systems development including all e-commerce initiatives and strategies. Prior to MicroWarehouse, Nihad held various executive positions at CNET Networks, most recently as Vice President of Shopping and Commerce Services where he was responsible for strategic planning, strategic alliances, acquisitions, operations, technology management and development.

Prior to CNET, Nihad founded RacingData/AGI where he built the venture into a multi-million dollars organization that sold IT products to consumers, commercial and public segments with strong internet presence through the AGI division. In 1999, CNET Networks acquired AGI.

From 1984 to 1993, Nihad held various executive positions at Insight Enterprises, CellMicro, Spectrum Micro Systems, Chicony America and American Micro Technology.

In addition, Nihad is an established program developer; some of his work can be seen throughout services on cnet.com, zdnet.com and channelonline.com.

Gregory M. Capitolo

Chief Financial Officer

Greg Capitolo comes to JiWire with more than 20 years of experience as a financial executive and manager in global organizations in Internet applications, eCommerce, Security, OEM and enterprise software. He has been responsible for raising debt and equity in the both public and private markets as well as managing the acquisition, sale and integration of more than 15 companies.

Prior to joining JiWire, Greg was the Chief Financial Officer at Zinio, the leader in digital magazine publishing, distribution and delivery, where, in addition to leading the financial operations, he was responsible for International Business Development, Channel Partner Relationships and Customer Support. Before joining Zinio, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Tectura, the largest software and services provider for Microsoft Business Solutions. During this time, Tectura grew from the $30 million in revenues to $180 million in revenues while acquiring and integrating 7 companies and raising more than $70 million in private equity. Prior to Tectura, Greg was the Chief Financial Officer or held financial management positions in several public and private companies including Tumbleweed Communications, Certicom, Wind River Systems and Identix. Greg holds a MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College and a BS in Accounting from Santa Clara University.

David Blumenfeld

Sr. Vice President, Strategy & Business Development

David Blumenfeld comes to JiWire with 13 years of marketing and advertising experience. Prior to JiWire, David spent five years at CNET Networks, most recently as Director of U.S. Marketing for CNET Channel, a global CNET division providing online technology product data, software, and services for companies throughout the IT supply chain. Prior to joining CNET Channel, David was a Senior Marketing Manager for CNET's online properties developing multimillion-dollar advertising programs for major technology clients.

Prior to joining CNET, David worked at Andersen & Lembke Advertising, handling numerous high-tech accounts, including Microsoft, Siebel, Tandem Computers, and Autodesk. David holds a bachelor's degree in history and business from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Jeff Pittelkau

Vice President, Product Development

Jeff Pittelkau has more than 18 years of experience developing content products and user experiences that make emerging technologies accessible to business professionals and general consumers alike. He comes to JiWire from CNET Networks, where he was instrumental in major redesigns of Shopper.com and CNET Reviews. Prior to CNET, Jeff worked at several startups, including Kmart Corporation's BlueLight.com, where he led teams in the creation of product buying guides, e-catalogs, production workflow tools, and SKU-level content integration solutions to drive e-commerce across a wide range of technology and general consumer products. At International Data Group (IDG) and Ziff-Davis Publishing, he held management positions responsible for the development of product testing labs, product evaluation procedures, and editorial content. Jeff holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics with computer science from Harvey Mudd College.

John Klein

Vice President, Engineering

John Klein has over 20 years of experience within the IT/networking industry where he has pioneered a variety of 802.11 WLAN products, ad systems management, embedded systems development, team building, and R&D management. Since joining JiWire in 2006, John has developed JiWire's Ads for Access Presence Server (JPS), as well as the Ads for Access reporting systems.

Before joining JiWire, John served as Senior Director of WLAN Software Development at Symbol Technologies, Inc. John was responsible for the development of WLAN Client Drivers, Access Point and Wireless Switch software and firmware for all WLAN products. John has been involved in Wi-Fi and Wireless LAN development for over twelve years, served on the 802.11 IEEE Working Group, and holds nine software patents with another nine pending. John has managed multiple development teams in multiple worldwide geographic locations.

Kevin O'Reilly

Vice President, Network Services

Kevin O'Reilly has over 10 years of media sales and online advertising experience. Since joining JiWire, Kevin has handled JiWire's strategic network partnerships, overseeing the deployment of JiWire's Ads for Access platform to premier U.S. Wi-Fi networks, including AT&T, iPass, Boingo, Wayport, and iBAHN. Before joining JiWire, Kevin was the AVP of sales for Topica, Inc., a provider of email marketing and management services. Prior to that, Kevin spent seven years in media sales with ClearChannel, managing strategic accounts in Northern California.

Dan McKenzie

Vice President, Creative Services

Dan McKenzie has more than 10 years of experience in the creative field specializing in web design, brand development and product planning. Prior to joining JiWire, he was the Sr. Designer at Interwoven where he worked with multi-disciplined teams to define the company's corporate identity and brand. He initiated and set the standard for corporate look and feel that enveloped all areas of graphic design including collateral, packaging, UI and web properties. Early in Dan's career, he was a professor of design and an avid artist. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in traditional music from San Francisco State University.