News from the Wire

Double Diamond launches research arm, hires Oglesby

Thursday, April 17, 2014 — 14:52:23 (EDT)

Denver, April 8, 2014 -- Global payments industry consulting firm Double Diamond Group LLC today announced the launch of Double Diamond Payments Research (DDPR). The payments research firm will fill an unmet need for in-depth research that focuses on merchant acceptance, by conducting focused primary research that will deliver qualitative information and actionable data.

Rick Oglesby, a respected industry veteran and research professional, has joined DDPR as senior research analyst and consultant. Oglesby has more than 20 years of industry knowledge and research methodology experience, which complements and expands upon the deep electronic payments consulting experience of Todd Ablowitz, Double Diamond Group’s founder.

DDPR will deliver industry focused trend and analysis reports that are essential to the majority of firms driving growth in global merchant acceptance today. DDPR can also provide customized and proprietary research services for clients. By adding research to the range of Double Diamond Group services, payments businesses now have a one-stop shop option for research and consulting services that include strategic consulting, project execution and business development.

“Rick brings a unique perspective and approach to research that will provide great value to industry participants,” said Ablowitz. “As a result, DDPR will source data designed to meet the specific needs of the acceptance market using a deeper and more solid methodology to research that will deliver defensible conclusions.”

“Todd and I share a passion for seeing this industry grow and we have an interest in the topics and issues that will shape the future of merchant acceptance,” said Oglesby. “By bringing complementary disciplines to that shared foundation, clients can benefit from our ability to research and produce valuable information and help them execute and implement strategies based on that insight.”

Oglesby is a recognized thought leader in the acquiring and mobile payments spaces, with specialized expertise in merchant acquiring, new product development, product management, and emerging payments strategies. He is respected as an industry expert that has presented at numerous industry events, and is quoted in top tier media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Bloomberg, and CNN Money. He also has contributed to articles in payments trade publications such as Digital Transactions, ISO and Agent, The Green Sheet, and American Banker.

Todd Ablowitz is a payments industry veteran and has spent his career developing, launching, marketing and selling leading edge payments solutions for the industry’s top brands.

“The global payments landscape is rapidly changing, and companies are looking for data, intelligence, expertise, connections and resources to ensure they stay in front of the trends and technologies that will drive their growth,” Ablowitz said. “By adding research to the Double Diamond slate of services, we can better help merchant acceptance companies thrive and remain relevant.”

About Double Diamond Payments Research

Double Diamond Payments Research (DDPR) delivers world-class payments-centric research, information and intelligence through highly sophisticated research methodologies and best practices.

DDPR produces trend and analysis reports that are extremely valuable to the majority of firms driving growth in global payments. In addition to these report and white paper offerings, DDPR also conducts customized and proprietary research projects for specific clients. DDPR is part of Denver-based Double Diamond Group, which provides expert consulting services to the global electronic payments industry.

Visit www.doublediamondgroup.com for more information.

Double Diamond Group

Denver-based Double Diamond Group LLC provides expert consulting services to the global electronic payments industry. Founded by industry veteran Todd Ablowitz, a former ViVOtech and First Data senior executive, Double Diamond Group helps payments industry clients solve their most critical business challenges with a unique blend of experience, connections and know-how. From venerable leaders to promising start-ups, Double Diamond Group works with companies of all sizes from around the world, including processors, acquirers, ISOs, agents, vendors, suppliers, service providers and merchants. Visit www.doublediamondgroup.com for more information.

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Source: Company press release.