Elisabeth Demarse

Introduction

Elisabeth DeMarse is a highly accomplished CEO, Independent Director, and Investor with a noteworthy career spanning several decades. She is particularly recognized for her transformative leadership in multiple companies across various industries, including media, finance, and technology.

Education

Starting with her education, Elisabeth holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, where she studied from 1978 to 1980. Before that, she earned her undergraduate degree in History from Wellesley College in 1976, where she was a Wellesley Scholar and participated in the Wellesley Washington Internship program. She further enhanced her expertise by becoming certified in Corporate Governance from the National Association of Corporate Directors, a credential she held from 2005 to 2015.

Early Career

Elisabeth’s career began with a role as an analyst for the Senate Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities during the Watergate investigation in the early 1970s. She then transitioned into the corporate world, where she became Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomberg L.P., a position she held for a decade from 1988 to 1998. Her influence at Bloomberg helped establish the company as a leading provider of financial news and data.

Leadership Roles

In 2000, Elisabeth took on the role of President and CEO at Bankrate, Inc., where she led the company in aggregating financial rate data and content. Over the next few years, her leadership was instrumental in the company’s growth and success. She moved on to CreditCards.com, where she served as President and CEO, transforming it into a leading online credit card marketplace.

Elisabeth's impressive career also includes significant roles at TheStreet, Inc., where she served as Chairman, CEO, and President from 2012 to 2016. She was pivotal in diversifying the company, a move that led to parts of it being acquired by Euromoney and The Maven. Furthermore, she contributed to the growth of several other companies, including AppNexus, ZipRealty, and All Star Directories, among others, through her roles on their boards of directors.

Investment Roles

In addition to her executive roles, Elisabeth expanded her influence in the investment world as a Limited Partner with Tritium Partners and Kimbark LLC, where she focuses on growth companies in sectors like internet services and commercial real estate, respectively. She has also served as an Independent Board Director at Kubient, aiding in the development of a transparent, programmatic environment for digital marketing.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Elisabeth has received numerous awards recognizing her achievements and contributions. Notably, she has been honored as Working Mother of the Year, Folio’s Top Women in Media, Dealmaker of the Year, and Girl Scouts Woman of the Year. Additionally, she was named one of the Most Intriguing People in Media and was recognized by Fast Company 50 and Inc. 500.

Conclusion

Elisabeth DeMarse's career is marked by strategic foresight, exceptional leadership, and a consistent record of driving growth and creating value in the companies she has led. Her diverse experiences and accolades make her a prominent figure in the realms of business and corporate governance.