Online accounting software company Xero appoints Andy Lark to the role of CMO

Online accounting software company Xerohas announced the appointment of award-winning international marketer and digital innovator Andy Lark to the position of chief marketing officer (CMO).

Lark will lead Xero’s global marketing strategy as it continues to build on the 370,000+ businesses that use and love the platform.

Says Rod Drury, CEO of Xero: “As we continue to accelerate our growth globally, adding executives of Andy’s calibre demonstrates our ability to attract world-class talent and commitment to bringing Xero to more small businesses than any other platform.

“Andy has been involved with Xero since the beginning as a sounding board — and now as part of our leadership team he will be able to play a direct role in driving our momentum, brand and product through our next phase of growth.”

Lark has more than 25 years industry experience leading global marketing functions and working with some of the world’s best-known technology brands. He was chief marketing & online officer for Australia’s leading financial institution, Commonwealth Bank. Prior to that he spent the majority of his career in the U.S. and Europe in roles ranging from the chief marketing and communications officer of Dell Enterprise, Sun Microsystems and Nortel.

Says Lark: “I am thrilled to be able to more directly contribute to accelerating the growth of Xero globally – and more importantly the millions of small businesses that will come to see Xero as their growth engine. As a Xero customer I’ve seen the impact it has on cashflow and business performance. Xero is positive proof of the power of software born in the cloud.”

Lark will be a key member of the global leadership team and starts his new role at Xero in November 2014.