Oesterle to Step Down as Angie’s List CEO
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based Angie's List Inc. (Nasdaq: ANGI) Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Bill Oesterle has announced plans to step down. He has been with the company since its inception in 1995 and says he wants to become more “civically involved” in Indiana. Angie's List has retained executive search firm Spencer Stuart to help find a successor.
April 15, 2015
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Angie's List (Nasdaq:ANGI) today announced that William S. Oesterle plans to step down as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Oesterle has agreed to remain in his current role as CEO until a successor is appointed, and he will serve on the Board of Directors at least through the remainder of his current term. Mr. Oesterle, co-founder of the Company, has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 1999 and on the Board since the inception of Angie's List in June 1995. After 20 years with the Company overseeing significant growth and market expansion, Mr. Oesterle has shared his intention to pursue other interests, including becoming more civically involved in the State of Indiana.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Company's Board of Directors has initiated a search to identify a new CEO. Internal and external candidates will be considered. The Company has retained Spencer Stuart, a leading executive search firm, to assist in the process.
“On behalf of the entire Angie's List Board, I want to thank Bill for his leadership in helping to create one of the strongest brands in local home services,” said John Chuang, Chair of the Angie's List Board of Directors. “This transition period provides an opportunity to acknowledge and applaud Bill's contributions to the Company, while also ensuring a smooth transition to our next Chief Executive Officer. We are focused on identifying a strong leader who has a record of driving positive financial results and who shares our vision of leveraging the unique attributes of the Angie's List brand. The right candidate will build on Bill's success, and will help us continue executing our strategy of establishing Angie's List as the preferred platform in the $800 billion local services marketplace.”
“Serving Angie's List alongside its 1,900 dedicated employees and being part of this amazing company from the very beginning has been a privilege and a highlight of my professional career,” said Mr. Oesterle. “I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished, especially seeing Angie's List grow to where we are now connecting millions of consumers across the country with leading service providers in their areas. The decision to leave was not an easy one. But as I begin the transition to the next chapter, I have great confidence in the Company's continued growth and prosperity and am committed to supporting a seamless transition.”
“For the past 20 years, Bill has been an outstanding partner to me and to the whole Angie's List organization,” said Angie's List co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Angie Hicks. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our talented team to execute on our marketplace strategy with the same passion and entrepreneurial spirit that Bill has instilled in our company and that has enabled our success.”
Business Outlook
The Company also announced today that it is confirming its previously announced 2015 revenue guidance and raising its 2015 adjusted EBITDA guidance. The Company's expectations for the full year 2015 are as follows:
Revenue of $357 million to $363 million
Adjusted EBITDA of $30 million to $32 million, an increase from prior guidance of $28 million to $30 million, due primarily to efficiencies in operating expenses
About William S. Oesterle
William S. Oesterle is the co-founder of Angie's List, has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 1999 and has served on the Board of Directors since the Company's inception in June 1995. Since 2007, Mr. Oesterle has served on the Board of Directors of The National Bank of Indianapolis Corporation. He also managed the political campaign of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels from July 2003 until December 2004. Prior to joining Angie's List, Mr. Oesterle was a partner with CID Equity Partners, a Midwest-based venture capital firm, from January 1994 to December 1998. Mr. Oesterle holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
About Angie's List
Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than three million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.
Source: Angie's List Inc.