Stuart Van Houten to Lead BlackLine's Global Sales Strategy

Welcoming a New Era at BlackLine

BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ: BL), a leader in digital finance transformation for the Office of the CFO, is making waves with the recent announcement of Stuart Van Houten as its new Chief Commercial Officer, effective February 17, 2025. As a seasoned veteran in technology and enterprise SaaS, Van Houten's appointment marks a pivotal moment for the company, signifying its commitment to accelerating sales and driving growth.

Stuart Van Houten: A Visionary Leader

With over 20 years of experience in sales leadership, Van Houten comes to BlackLine after a remarkable tenure at SAP. He recently served as the Chief Revenue Officer for SAP’s North American Intelligent Spend Management division, where he successfully doubled revenue within his division. His impressive background includes transformative roles at Orchestro, Clarabridge, and GridPoint, demonstrating his ability to lead teams toward significant revenue growth and successful transitions to SaaS models.

Transitioning Leadership at BlackLine

Van Houten succeeds Mark Woodhams, BlackLine's current Chief Revenue Officer, as he prepares for retirement. In acknowledging Woodhams' contributions, Therese Tucker, Co-CEO and Founder of BlackLine, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the importance of a seamless transition for the company's ongoing success. The leadership adjustment is aimed at empowering BlackLine during its transformation period.

Strategic Focus and Future Growth

At a recent Investor Day, the leadership team outlined innovative strategies targeting market expansion and partnerships, particularly with industry giants like SAP. Owen Ryan, Co-CEO and Chairman of BlackLine, emphasized that Van Houten’s expertise in enterprise technology partnerships would be crucial in bolstering BlackLine's market presence. His experience in navigating complex sales landscapes and building enduring relationships will enhance the company’s value proposition.

Committed to Excellence in Sales

Stuart Van Houten himself expressed enthusiasm about joining BlackLine at this transformative stage. His insights on the company's capabilities and commitment to technology-driven solutions paint a promising picture for the company's future. He believes that BlackLine's offerings are set for significant growth, as the role of the Office of the CFO becomes increasingly critical amidst rapid technological advancements.

Positive Financial Outlook

As Van Houten prepares for his new role, BlackLine is also reporting strong expectations for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 revenue. The management anticipates that revenue will meet or slightly exceed the upper limits of the previously disclosed guidance ranges. Such optimistic forecasts reflect the company’s dedication to maintaining robust performance amidst market challenges.

About BlackLine's Innovative Solutions

BlackLine is pioneering the future of financial operations, delivering comprehensive solutions for streamlining mission-critical processes such as record-to-report and invoice-to-cash. The platform’s capabilities facilitate unified and accurate data management, optimized financial processes, and enhanced visibility through automation and artificial intelligence. With unmatched R&D investment and a stellar security reputation, BlackLine is a top choice for over 4,400 organizations looking to modernize their financial operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role will Stuart Van Houten have at BlackLine?

Stuart Van Houten will be the Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for leading the company’s global sales organization and revenue operations.

When will Stuart Van Houten start his role at BlackLine?

He is set to begin on February 17, 2025.

Who is Stuart Van Houten succeeding at BlackLine?

Van Houten is succeeding Mark Woodhams, who will retire from his position as Chief Revenue Officer.

What are BlackLine’s financial expectations for 2024?

The company expects to meet or slightly exceed the high end of its previously disclosed revenue guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2024.

What does BlackLine’s platform provide?

BlackLine offers a future-ready platform for the Office of the CFO, delivering streamlined financial processes and real-time insights through automation and AI.

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