POSITION
REPORTS TO
DATE
MORE INFORMATION
SEARCH CONTACT
VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING
John Scarry – Chief Revenue Officer
September 2024
Andy Lane @ CFS Partners
M +414 807 4085
E andy@criticalfacility.com
COMPANY OVERVIEW
ark data centers is a modern digital infrastructure brand that delivers agile, scalable enterprise-class solutions. ark’s assets span uniquely positioned data centers across emerging edge markets, network infrastructure and IXs to respond to the AI surge. With partnership, performance and sustainability at the forefront, ark combines the space, power, network and security with the technical acumen needed to meet the revolutionary data-driven demands of the future.
The future is ark – The tides of data proliferation have shifted in the wake of AI and ark is committed to delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and solutions. ark saw the virtual flood of data coming years ago and are ready to help customers thrive in this rapid technological revolution with purpose-built data centers and a robust suite of innovative hybrid cloud solutions.
As an enterprise data center, hybrid cloud and network infrastructure partner, ark’s innovative solutions and expertise empower customers to elevate their technology strategy without sacrificing the grounded, collaborative approach of a trusted regional provider. Their data-driven, people-powered and future-focused approach is the key to rising above the flood.
CHAPTER
In 2022, funds managed by Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) acquired Involta, expanding Involta’s ability to provide innovative, security-focused cloud and edge solutions. The investment positioned Involta to build on its national market leadership while continuing to serve and grow in existing markets.
In January 2024, Brett Lindsey was hired as CEO. As prior CEO of highly successful PE backed regional fiber provider Everstream in Cleveland OH, Brett brings a very focused thesis around which is built an ambitious growth charter = Data Center + Network + Artificial Intelligence. On May 15, 2024, Involta rebranded as ark data centers. The new URL – www.arkdna.com – reflects its brand DNA; D – data center infrastructure, N – network infrastructure, and A – the response to AI and automation.
ark data centers most recently entered the Green Bay market with plans to expand the existing campus with up to 20MW of capacity. The facility is poised to meet the rising colocation demands of critical high-tech industries in a desirable area for edge deployments. As part of its growth plan, ark’s roadmap contains several soon-to-be-announced projects in emerging edge markets.
CHARTER
Today, ark has 10 data centers in the U.S., geographically diverse across 7 states. ark is strategically focused on larger colocation deployments with blue-chip customers and positioning itself as a leader with hyperscaleredge, AI workloads, and enterprise customers. The goal is to transform the data center + network + AI into a smart, flexible, scalable, and secure service …. reshaping how businesses operate in the digital age, enabling a new wave of digital innovation and emerging as a cornerstone of modern technological infrastructure.
As a progressive and transformative enterprise data center, hybrid cloud and network partner, ark is empowering customers to elevate their technology strategies with a new era of innovative IT infrastructure solutions and expertise which meet the next wave of IT workload and compute demand.
SOLUTIONS
SECURE POWER COLOCATION –
Customers can empower their mission-critical infrastructure with SecurePower Colocation (SecurePower), where world-class technology and physical security provide unmatched protection for enterprises. ark’s power-based model offers predictability and reliability, safeguarding critical workloads to streamline business operations 24/7/365. When you colocate at one of our data centers, you prepare your business for the oncoming flood of data by connecting to so much more.
SECURITY –
The ark team has been prioritizing security and compliance since we opened our first data center over 15 years ago. To us, being an enterprise cybersecurity solutions provider is about more than protecting customer environments and neutralizing potential threats before they can impact operations. It’s about creating a culture of security that everyone can get behind.
CLOUD –
Getting financial advantages, productivity gains and continuity from the cloud isn’t as easy as the industry first implied. As an enterprise cloud solutions provider, ark’s holistic approach to infrastructure investment—spanning from connectivity to store and compute as well as support and management—is focused on attaining your business objectives and maximum ROI from public, private, hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS –
Stay connected with ark’s interconnection options and network infrastructure. They leverage a keen understanding of business needs and a wealth of experience to help expand your network and optimize daily operations.
DATA CENTER LOCATIONS
ark’s Tucson data center is a 38,000+ sq ft, concurrently maintainable facility that provides secure data storage in a state-of-the-art environment, while eliminating the expense associated with owning, operating and maintaining such a facility independently.
Capacity – 2+MW
ark operates a world-class, purpose-built colocation facility in Boise, Idaho. The concurrently maintainable, 34,000+ sq ft facility – provides secure data storage in a cutting-edge environment, saving clients the expense associated with owning, operating and maintaining such a facility independently.
Capacity – 1 MW
ark’s Cedar Rapids data center is a 19,000+ sq ft, concurrently maintainable facility that provides secure data storage in a state-of-the-art environment, while saving clients the expense associated with owning, operating and maintaining such a facility independently.
Capacity – 810kW
ark operates two diversely connected colocation facilities in Duluth, Minnesota. Both facilities – one a 3rd-generation, 6,000 sq ft facility, the other a concurrently maintainable, 3rd-generation, 26,000+ sq ft facility – provide secure data storage in a cutting-edge environment, saving clients the expense associated with owning, operating and maintaining such a facility independently.
Capacity – 1 MW
ark owns and operates four data centers in the northeast Ohio region. The facilities provide nearly 130,000 sq ft of world-class enterprise space. All five facilities are diversely connected to one another, including a robust fiber ring that provides millisecond latency between the Akron I & II and Independence facilities.
Akron I & II Capacity – 5MW
Canton Capacity – 1.5MW
Cleveland – 2.5MW
ark’s Pittsburgh data center is a 39,000 sq ft, concurrently maintainable facility that provides secure data storage in a state-of-the-art environment, while saving clients the expense associated with owning, operating and maintaining such a facility independently.
Capacity – 1.5MW
ark’s Green Bay data center is a concurrently maintainable facility that provides secure data storage in a state-of-the-art environment, while eliminating the expense associated with owning, operating and maintaining such a facility independently.
Expandable up to 20MW
BRAND PROMISE
Superior Infrastructure and Services – ark data center’s state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities are the most reliable data centers in the regions we serve–and our full suite of hybrid IT services are delivered with the same level of detail. Their locations and teams specifically address the most exacting performance, compliance and security requirements of the industries we serve.
Operational Excellence – ark data centers is expanding their ability to serve customers through new data centers and cloud platforms, consulting and managed services and well-defined and rigorous processes. They are constantly introducing new products and hybrid IT solutions and developing new strategies for efficient, predictable automation.
People Who Deliver – Good relationships require trust, communication, and collaboration. That’s why ark data centers hires, trains, and retains the best employees to ensure that these qualities are present in all of their valued partnerships. They pride themselves on being subject matter experts customers can call any time, whether they would like assistance or to offer feedback on how ark can do better.
LEADERSHIP
ark data center NEWS
June 2024 – ark data centers Wins 2024 Datacloud Global Award for Excellence
May 2024 – Involta Is Now ark data centers
May 2024 – Involta centers Launches Annual ESG Report
April 2024 – Involta Appoints John Scarry as Chief Revenue Officer
January 2024 – Involta offers new colo payment model charging by kW instead of rackspace
January 2024 – Involta SecurePower Colocation Launches to Support Mission-Critical Enterprise IT Workloads
January 2024 – Involta Appoints Brett Lindsey as CEO
December 2023 – Involta Acquires Data Center and Land in Green Bay, Plans for 20MW Colocation Campus
December 2023 – Involta Expands Data Center Capacity in Tucson to Meet Enterprise Demand
February 2022 – Carlyle’s Acquisition of Hybrid Cloud Data Center Provider Involta Closes
FINANCIAL PARTNER
Carlyle is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $382B AUM as of September 30, 2023, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,200 people in 28 offices across four continents. Carlyle is committed to Better Impact, Better Results.
Jan 2024 – Carlyle to Announce 4th Quarter & Full Year 2023 Financial Results Feb 8th
Dec 2023 – AlpInvest and Leonard Green Close $2B Continuation Fund
VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING
Reporting to John Scarry, CRO, The Vice President Marketing (VPM) will author and execute ark data center’s (ADC) communications strategy through this chapter of innovation, change, and growth. This requires an experienced, strategic minded data center marketing leader who can craft campaigns that align with ADC’s new go-to-market strategies designed for new customer targets and acquisiton. The ideal candidate will bring in depth data center product and services knowledge resulting from the creative positioning and promotion of technological capabilities, reliability, and security features to attract and retain clients.
The VPM will help to guide ADC effectively communicate their value proposition, reach a wider audience, and ultimately drive business growth via increased target customer acquisition. The VPM is expected to instill an environment of positive innovation and possibilities for ADC and their customers. ADC’s entrepreneurial, fast-paced culture requires a servant leader to learn what’s required in this new chapter to efficiently engage a succinct target audience receptive to ADC’s new market value proposition – Data Center + Network + Artificial Intelligence.
CHARTER –
The VPM’s challenges require a strategic approach, leveraging data-driven insights, and continuously adapting to the evolving digital landscape.
– Complexity of Services – Data center services are often highly technical and complex, making it challenging to communicate a unique value proposition effectively.
– Data Privacy and Security – Ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA make it challing to navigate strict data privacy laws while delivering personalized marketing is challenging.
– Competition – Standing out in a crowded market requires innovative and differentiated marketing strategies, particularly where no precedent of business model exists.
– Evolving Technology – Keeping up with rapid technological advancements and integrating them into marketing strategies requires staying updated with the latest digital marketing tools and platforms.
– Measuring ROI – Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) for digital marketing efforts with long sales cycles and high-value contracts is exceptionally valuable.
– Content Creation – Producing high-quality, engaging content that effectively explains complex services and solutions and resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences is paramount.
– Building Trust – Establishing trust and credibility in an industry where security and reliability are paramount requires consistent and transparent communication.
LEADERSHIP –
– Develop Marketing Strategies – Create and implement comprehensive marketing plans to increase brand awareness and drive customer acquisition.
– Budget Management – Design and review the marketing department’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
– Market Analysis – Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges that ensure ADC remains progressive and competitive.
– Team Leadership – Oversee the marketing team, setting goals, providing guidance, and ensuring the team meets its objectives.
– Collaboration – Work closely with sales teams and other departments to align marketing efforts with overall business goals.
– Public Relations – Build and maintain relationships with media and stakeholders through creative PR strategies.
DIGITAL MARKETING –
– Brand Awareness – Build and maintain ADC’s strong online presence to include social media, SEO, and content marketing to increase visibility and attract potential clients.
– Lead Generation – Generate high quality leads via tailored targeted advertising campaigns via Google Ads and LinkedIn but moreso to specifically defined target audiences, ie enterprise, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, hyperscale, etc.
– Content Marketing – Create valuable content in the form of whitepapers, case studies, and blog posts to establish and reinforce ADC as a thought leader in the industry. This content should address challenges that showcase the company’s expertise and solutions.
– Email Marketing – Campaign creation and execution to nurture leads and keep existing clients informed about new services, updates, and industry trends.
– Webinars and Virtual Events – Demonstrate ADC’s expertise by engaging with existing and potential clients on existing and practical matters ADC solves for the industry.
– Campaign Analytics – Demonstrated optimization of valuable data and insights that optimize marketing strategy performance and return on investment of time and capital.
– Showcasing Technological Innovations – Highlight the latest technological advancements and security measures that demonstrate differentiation and build trust / confidence.
KEY QUALIFYING CRITERIA
Marketing Leadership – A creative, business and financial minded professional with demonstrated success building and managing diverse data center specific product and solutions marketing campaigns.
Strategy – Demonstrated history of authoring and executing marketing campaigns related to diverse go-to-market strategies resulting in enduring achievement of resulting revenue performance enhancement.
Growth – Demonstrated leadership, conviction, and courageous decision making at scale in a high growth environment relating to new products, services, personnel, and geographic locations. ADC rewards servant leaders with a unique blend of humility, conviction, and courage.
Customer Target Immersion – Demonstrated success and credibility resulting from an immersed engagement with hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise customers to provide mutual value resulting from diverse and complex solutions.
Approach – Led high value consultative, outcome-oriented marketing strategies for a new era of progressive solutions that meet the next generation of higher performance compute density infrastructure requirements.
Brand Ambassador – ADC’s ambassador leading the organization’s new chapter of growth conviction made evident to customers, employees, partners, and competitors across the market. DNA of the business = data center + network + artificial intelligence.
WHY CONSIDER THIS OPPORTUNITY?
Ambition – The Carlyle Group’s hire of Brett Lindsey as CEO is telling of their conviction to grow and evolve a national platform of AI defined, network connected, data center infrastructure to meet hyperscale and enterprise data center capacity requirements.
Difference – ADC’s value proposition to the market and their customers simultaneously achieves the most progressive technological and sustainable infrastructure and service initiatives available in their target markets.
Progressive – ADC is investing in every aspect of its physical and software infrastructure in preparation to build and exceed the next generation of HPC compute requirements.
Precedent – CEO Brett Lindsey’s track record of exceeding capital plan expectations and CRO John Scarry’s track record of colocation + network revenue acquisition are 2nd to none. Professionals who enjoy headroom to make decisions and execute will flourish with this team.
Prepared – Carlyle, Bruce Lehrman, and The Board have been planning this directionality for the business for the past couple years. Brett joins with a defined plan to deliver what the industry requires with a successful history of timely execution.
Confidence – Overall consensus on ADC’s plans in the hands of Brett Lindsey is a high likelihood of success. The plan is clear, practical, and reasonable in order to achieve target returns sooner than forecasted.
COMPENSATION
The compensation package for the VPM will include a competitive base salary, annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive compensation in the form of equity reflecting ADC’s value creation.
SEARCH PROCESS
Following the receipt of a resume and mutually addressing Key Qualifying Criteria, culture fit, and professional motivation, we’ll make an introduction to John Scarry in early October 2024. Subseqent meetings with Brett Lindsey and Senior Leadership Team members to follow. The selected finalist will be presented with a compelling and competitive offer contingent on background check and thorough references.