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Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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SHANGHAI, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (“Dingdong” or the “Company”) (NYSE: DDL), a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in China, with advanced supply chain capabilities, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights:

GMV for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 28.3% year over year to RMB7,267.0 million (US$1,035.5 million) from RMB5,665.4 million in the same quarter of 2023. All regions experienced positive year-over-year growth in scale for the third quarter of 2024. GMV for the third quarter of 2024 increased on a year-over-year basis for three straight quarters, also, reached new quarterly high.Non-GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 942.0% year over year to RMB161.6 million (US$23.0 million), the eighth consecutive quarter of non-GAAP profitability, compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB15.5 million in the same quarter of 2023.Net income for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 6,240.6% year over year to RMB133.4 million (US$19.0 million), compared with net income of RMB2.1 million in the same quarter of 2023. Both non-GAAP and GAAP net income this quarter made record highs in the Company’s history.Net cash provided by operating activities for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB397.6 million (US$56.7 million), the fifth consecutive quarter of net operating cash inflow.

Mr. Changlin Liang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong, stated, “As of the third quarter of 2024, Dingdong has achieved non-GAAP profitability for the eighth consecutive quarter and GAAP profitability for the third consecutive quarter. Revenue also increased on a year-over-year basis for three straight quarters. Both GMV and net profit also reached new quarterly highs. For the outlook for fourth quarter and full year of 2024, we are increasing our full-year targets based on our current performance. We expect non-GAAP and GAAP net profit and the overall scale of our business to continue growing significantly on a year-over-year basis next quarter and for the year. We are confident in the rapid development potential of our business throughout the remainder of the year and going forward.”

Mr. Song Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Dingdong, stated, “In the third quarter of 2024, we generated revenue of RMB6.54 billion, a year-over-year increase of 27.2%. This significant growth also allowed us to achieve a new historic high in profitability with a non-GAAP net profit of RMB162 million, over nine times higher than the same period last year. Non-GAAP net profit margin was 2.5%, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from the same period last year. GAAP net profit was RMB133 million, an increase of RMB131 million year-over-year with net profit margin expanding 2.0 percentage points from the same period last year to 2%. Operating net cash inflow reached RMB400 million, an increase of RMB270 million compared to the same period last year. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of net cash inflow from operating activities.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB6,538.2 million (US$931.7 million) compared with total revenues of RMB5,139.7 million in the same quarter of 2023, increased by 27.2% year over year, primarily attributed to the accelerating increased numbers of transacting users and frequency of monthly purchases and expanding our station network in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai this year.

Product Revenues were RMB6,458.4 million (US$920.3 million) compared with product revenues of RMB5,082.5 million in the same quarter of 2023.Service Revenues were RMB79.8 million (US$11.4 million) compared with service revenues of RMB57.2 million in the same quarter of 2023, primarily driven by the increase of customers subscribing to Dingdong’s membership program.

Total operating costs and expenses were RMB6,438.5 million (US$917.5 million) compared with RMB5,163.7 million in the same quarter of 2023, with a detailed breakdown as below:   

Cost of goods sold was RMB4,591.4 million (US$654.3 million), an increase of 28.3% from RMB3,577.5 million in the same quarter of 2023. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues increased slightly to 70.2% from 69.6% in the same quarter of 2023.Fulfillment expenses were RMB1,397.8 million (US$199.2 million), an increase of 17.1% from RMB1,193.4 million in the same quarter of 2023. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 21.4% from 23.2% in the same quarter of 2023. This was mainly due to the increased order volume that boosted operational efficiency. In addition, we optimized the layout of the regional processing centers in the second half of 2023, which will continue to improve their operation efficiency this year.Sales and marketing expenses were RMB144.9 million (US$20.6 million), an increase of 39.1% from RMB104.2 million in the same quarter of 2023. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 2.2% from 2.0% in the same quarter of 2023, mainly due to the increased spending on sales and marketing activities to acquire new customers.General and administrative expenses were RMB102.0 million (US$14.5 million), an increase of 14.2% from RMB89.3 million in the same quarter of 2023, mainly due to the increase of staff cost.Product development expenses were RMB202.4 million (US$28.8 million), a slightly increase of 1.6% from RMB199.3 million in the same quarter of 2023. While advocating for energy and resource saving, we will continue to invest in our product development capabilities, agricultural technology, data algorithms, and other technology infrastructure, to further enhance our competitiveness.

Income from operations was RMB110.5 million (US$15.8 million), compared with operating loss of RMB8.6 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Non-GAAP income from operations, which is a non-GAAP measure for income from operations that excludes share-based compensation expenses, was RMB138.8 million (US$19.8 million), increased by 2,804.1% year over year, compared with non-GAAP income from operations of RMB4.8 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Net income was RMB133.4 million (US$19.0 million), increased by 6,240.6% year over year, compared with net income of RMB2.1 million in the same quarter of 2023. Net income margin was 2.04% compared with 0.04% in the same quarter of 2023.

Non-GAAP net income, which is a non-GAAP measure that excludes share-based compensation expenses, was RMB161.6 million (US$23.0 million), increased by 942.0% year over year, compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB15.5 million in the same quarter of 2023. In addition, non-GAAP net income margin, which is the Company’s non-GAAP net income as a percentage of total revenues, was 2.4% compared with 0.3% in the same quarter of 2023.

Basic and diluted net income per share was RMB0.40 (US$0.06), compared with net loss per share of RMB0.00 in the same quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted, was RMB0.49 (US$0.07), compared with RMB0.04 in the same quarter of 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments were RMB4,296.9 million (US$612.3 million) as of September 30, 2024, compared with RMB4,157.6 million as of June 30, 2024. We have been working diligently to optimize our capital usage and financing structure. The total balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments deducting the balance of short-term borrowings, is RMB2.64 billion, a net increase for the fifth consecutive quarter.

Guidance

The Company has raised its expectations for both net profit and scale compared to that in last quarter, and is anticipating considerable year-over-year growth for the fourth quarter and this year. The Company is looking to achieve both non-GAAP and GAAP profits in the fourth quarter and for the entire year of 2024.

Management change

As part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to optimize our organizational structure and enhance operational efficiency, the Company has re-evaluated certain executive roles. Ms. Hongli Gong, previously the CHRO, has been reassigned to other management positions in the Company. The responsibilities previously overseen by CHRO will be redistributed to other existing leadership team member to ensure seamless continuity in the Company’s human resources functions. This change reflects the Company’s commitment to agile and effective management, aligning the Company’s resources with strategic priorities to better serve the stakeholders.

On behalf of the Company and the Board, Mr. Changlin Liang, Chairman and CEO of Dingdong, expressed, “We would like to give our warmest and heartfelt thanks to Ms. Hongli Gong for her remarkable stewardship and contributions service as Chief Human Resources Officer. We wish her the best of success in her new roles within the Company.”

Conference Call

The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on the same day) to discuss the financial results. The presentation and question and answer session will be presented in both Mandarin and English. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International:

1-412-317-6061

United States Toll Free:

1-888-317-6003

Mainland China Toll Free:

4001-206115

Hong Kong Toll Free:

800-963976

Conference ID:

6835527

The replay will be accessible through November 13, 2024 by dialing the following numbers:

International:

1-412-317-0088

United States:

1-877-344-7529

Access Code:

1452469

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.100.me.

About Dingdong (Cayman) Limited 

We are a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in mainland China, with sustainable long-term growth. We directly provide users and households with fresh groceries, prepared food, and other food products through delivering a convenient and excellent shopping experience supported by an extensive self-operated frontline fulfillment grid. Leveraging our deep insights into consumers’ evolving needs and our strong food innovation capabilities, we have successfully launched a series of private label products spanning a variety of food categories. Many of our private label products are produced at our Dingdong production plants, allowing us to more efficiently produce and offer safe and high-quality food products. We aim to be the first choice for fresh and food shopping.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.100.me.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses non-GAAP measures, such as non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income margin, non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges and do not correlate to any operating activity trends. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about the Company’s results of operations, enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Company’s management in its financial and operational decision-making.

The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing the Company’s operating performance, cash flows or liquidity, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operations and cash flows data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company’s definition of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from those of industry peers and may not be comparable with their non-GAAP financial measures.

The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance.

For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this announcement.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on September 30, 2024 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Among other things, business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Dingdong’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Dingdong may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Dingdong’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Dingdong’s goals and strategies; Dingdong’s future business development, financial conditions, and results of operations; the expected outlook of the fresh grocery ecommerce market in China; Dingdong’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; Dingdong’s expectations regarding its relationships with its users, clients, business partners, and other stakeholders; competition in Dingdong’s industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to Dingdong’s industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$) 

As of

December 31,
2023

September 30,

2024

September 30,

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

1,209,225

899,769

128,216

Restricted cash

480

4,673

666

Short-term investments

4,099,977

3,392,420

483,416

Accounts receivable, net

107,879

136,089

19,393

Inventories, net

471,872

593,436

84,564

Advance to suppliers

73,732

100,633

14,340

Prepayments and other current assets

187,486

136,345

19,429

Total current assets

6,150,651

5,263,365

750,024

Non-current assets:

Property and equipment, net

189,084

171,619

24,456

Operating lease right-of-use assets

1,262,134

1,323,093

188,539

Other non-current assets

96,687

115,109

16,403

Total non-current assets

1,547,905

1,609,821

229,398

TOTAL ASSETS

7,698,556

6,873,186

979,422

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

1,422,183

1,735,794

247,349

Customer advances and deferred revenue

240,280

269,109

38,348

Accrued expenses and other current
     liabilities

656,408

775,869

110,560

Salary and welfare payable

233,073

268,815

38,306

Operating lease liabilities, current

653,529

578,411

82,423

Short-term borrowings

3,300,214

1,656,477

236,046

Total current liabilities

6,505,687

5,284,475

753,032

Non-current liabilities:

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

568,039

701,812

100,007

Other non-current liabilities

126,206

135,612

19,325

Total non-current liabilities

694,245

837,424

119,332

TOTAL LIABILITIES

7,199,932

6,121,899

872,364

 

 

DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$) 

As of

December 31,

2023

September 30,

2024

September 30,

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

Mezzanine Equity:

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

116,090

122,994

17,527

TOTAL MEZZANINE EQUITY

116,090

122,994

17,527

Shareholders’ equity:

Ordinary shares

4

4

1

Additional paid-in capital

14,061,992

14,155,411

2,017,130

Treasury stock

(20,666)

(51,176)

(7,293)

Accumulated deficit

(13,679,965)

(13,474,064)

(1,920,039)

Accumulated other comprehensive
     income/(loss)

21,169

(1,882)

(268)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

382,534

628,293

89,531

TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY
     AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

7,698,556

6,873,186

979,422

 

 

DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data) 

For the three months ended

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

Revenues:

Product revenues

5,082,513

6,458,447

920,321

Service revenues

57,168

79,788

11,370

Total revenues

5,139,681

6,538,235

931,691

Operating costs and expenses:

Cost of goods sold

(3,577,451)

(4,591,429)

(654,273)

Fulfillment expenses

(1,193,391)

(1,397,785)

(199,183)

Sales and marketing expenses

(104,176)

(144,868)

(20,644)

Product development expenses

(199,313)

(202,412)

(28,843)

General and administrative expenses

(89,337)

(101,988)

(14,533)

Total operating costs and expenses

(5,163,668)

(6,438,482)

(917,476)

Other operating income, net

15,359

10,796

1,538

(Loss) /income from operations

(8,628)

110,549

15,753

Interest income

40,103

38,446

5,479

Interest expenses

(24,412)

(9,650)

(1,375)

Other loss, net

(1,463)

(2,865)

(408)

Income before income tax

5,600

136,480

19,449

Income tax expenses

(3,496)

(3,074)

(438)

Net income

2,104

133,406

19,011

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

(2,187)

(2,363)

(337)

Net (loss) /income attributable to ordinary
     shareholders

(83)

131,043

18,674

 

 

DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(CONTINUED)

(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data) 

For the three months ended

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

Net (loss) /income per Class A and Class B ordinary
     share:

Basic and diluted

(0.00)

0.40

0.06

Shares used in net (loss) /income per Class A and
     Class B ordinary share computation:

Basic

325,139,721

324,194,950

324,194,950

Diluted

325,139,721

330,928,010

330,928,010

Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(12,481)

(36,009)

(5,131)

Comprehensive (loss) /income

(10,377)

97,397

13,880

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests

(2,187)

(2,363)

(337)

Comprehensive (loss) /income attributable to
     ordinary shareholders

(12,564)

95,034

13,543

 

 

DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$) 

For the three months ended

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

Net cash generated from operating activities

130,111

397,639

56,663

Net cash used in investing activities

(380,246)

(352,490)

(50,229)

Net cash generated from/ (used in) financing activities

18,448

(200,107)

(28,515)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
     equivalents and restricted cash

(785)

(2,267)

(323)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and
     restricted cash

(232,472)

(157,225)

(22,404)

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the
     beginning of the period

1,530,180

1,061,667

151,286

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the
     end of the period

1,297,708

904,442

128,882

 

 

DINGDONG (CAYMAN) LIMITED 

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(Amounts in thousands of RMB and US$, except for number of shares and per share data) 

For the three months ended
September 30,

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

(Loss) /income from operations

(8,628)

110,549

15,753

Add: share-based compensation expenses (1)

13,406

28,210

4,020

Non-GAAP income from operations

4,778

138,759

19,773

Operating margin

(0.2 %)

1.6 %

1.6 %

Add: share-based compensation expenses

0.3 %

0.5 %

0.5 %

Non-GAAP operating margin

0.1 %

2.1 %

2.1 %

Net income

2,104

133,406

19,011

Add: share-based compensation expenses (1)

13,406

28,210

4,020

Non-GAAP net income

15,510

161,616

23,031

Net income margin

0.0 %

2.0 %

2.0 %

Add: share-based compensation expenses

0.3 %

0.5 %

0.5 %

Non-GAAP net income margin

0.3 %

2.5 %

2.5 %

Net (loss) /income attributable to ordinary shareholders

(83)

131,043

18,674

Add: share-based compensation expenses (1)

13,406

28,210

4,020

Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary
     shareholders

13,323

159,253

22,694

Net (loss) /income per Class A and Class B ordinary share:

Basic and diluted

(0.00)

0.40

0.06

Add: share-based compensation expenses

0.04

0.09

0.01

Non-GAAP net income per Class A and Class B
     ordinary share:

Basic and diluted

0.04

0.49

0.07

(1) Share-based compensation expenses are recognized as follows:

For the three months ended

September 30,

2023

2024

2024

RMB

RMB

US$

(Unaudited)

Fulfillment expenses

5,335

4,707

671

Sales and marketing expenses

332

1,057

151

Product development expenses

6,881

13,288

1,893

General and administrative expenses

858

9,158

1,305

Total

13,406

28,210

4,020

 

 

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Intesa Communications Group Named ‘Customers First’ Winner in San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Awards

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The award-winning, women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm was recognized for exceptional client service that has fueled 14 years of growth

SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intesa Communications Group, a leading San Diego public relations and government affairs firm, has been named the “Customers First” winner in the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Small Business Awards. Announced July 9 at the Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards event, the recognition honors the small business whose commitment to customer service most clearly sets it apart from the competition.

Founded in 2012, the certified women-owned San Diego firm has grown from a boutique agency into one of the region’s leading public relations and government affairs firms. Intesa has doubled its team over the past two years, sustained three consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and expanded its client portfolio by 26% last year. Intesa provides public relations, strategic communications, and government affairs services for a wide range of organizations, including San Diego State University, SeaWorld San Diego, Expedia Group, H.G. Fenton Company, San Diego Foundation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and SBCS.

“This award belongs to every member of our team and to the clients who trust us with their most valuable asset: their reputation,” said Margie Newman Tsay, founding partner of Intesa Communications Group. “Our clients stay with us for years because we show up prepared, fully invested and ready for the moments that matter most. Being recognized for putting customers first is the highest compliment our business community can pay us.”

Intesa’s client-first approach has produced measurable results across public relations and government affairs efforts throughout the region. For example, in its first month working with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the firm helped reimagine the organization’s summer food drive messaging, generating more than 15 million impressions and helping deliver 489,026 pounds of food and $344,505 in donations — the equivalent of more than one million meals and a 175% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Logan Heights Community Development Corporation credits the firm with an 81:1 return on investment after Intesa parachuted in to help the nonprofit promote the California Mortgage Relief Program.

“Small businesses are the heart of our economy: fueling innovation, creating jobs and defining the character of communities across the San Diego region,” said Chris Cate, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We celebrate the resilience, ingenuity and community impact of our small business leaders. They are the very spirit behind our purpose to champion business and empower leaders.”

The Chamber award is as much a reflection of Intesa’s clients as it is the firm itself. The opportunity to partner with organizations doing meaningful work across the region is what makes recognition like this possible. True to form, the Intesa team plans to mark the win by thanking the clients behind the work.

“We call ourselves dot connectors, and this award is what that looks like in practice,” said Maddy Kilkenny, partner at Intesa Communications Group, who leads the firm’s government affairs practice. “Whether our team of 10 people is helping a client navigate a policy decision at City Hall or a story on the front page of the newspaper, we aim to leave them stronger and more confident than before. Hearing our clients say we deliver on that is the best win of all.”

According to the Chamber’s award requirements, businesses with 100 or fewer employees were eligible for nomination. They were voted on by a panel of chamber members, who reviewed the nominations and selected the winners of all four categories.

The recognition adds to more than 60 awards Intesa has earned for excellence in public relations, strategic communications, and public affairs, including honors from PR News, the Public Relations Society of America, PR Daily, the International Association of Business Communicators, the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ), MARCOM, and the American Marketing Association, among others. It also comes on the heels of two Intesa team members, Emily Alvarenga and Margaret Lutz Chantung, recently receiving SDBJ’s “40 Under 40” and “Indispensable” awards, respectively.

For more information about Intesa Communications Group, visit www.intesacom.com.

About Intesa Communications Group
Intesa Communications Group is a certified women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm that helps leaders communicate and advocate with confidence. Since 2012, Intesa has partnered with the region’s trusted leaders and organizations, providing strategic communications and public affairs counsel on high-stakes issues at the intersection of reputation, policy and public perception. The firm’s work has earned more than 60 industry awards across 53 recognized client campaigns, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce “Customers First” 2026 award. Learn more at www.intesacom.com.

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year

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HOUSTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Shankari Thiagarajan is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional of The Year for her contributions to Information Technology and Agile Delivery.     

Shankari Thiagarajan has established a distinguished career in information technology project and program management, recognized for her expertise in agile delivery, digital transformation, and cross functional leadership across multiple industries. Currently serving as project manager and scrum master at Astellas Pharma Inc., she oversees agile delivery initiatives supporting global life science programs.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning technology and pharmaceutical sectors, Ms. Thiagarajan has developed a reputation for leading complex implementations and driving operational efficiency. Her expertise includes agile methodologies, project and delivery management, product ownership, healthcare IT, telecom and network optimization, financial services modernization, retail technology upgrades, and GIS and digital mapping solutions.

Ms. Thiagarajan earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Campbellsville University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering Hyderabad.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to major organizations across a wide range of industries. Her accomplishments include leading agile transformations at Cigna, overseeing retail technology upgrades at Walmart, managing large scale telecom transformation initiatives at T Mobile and Verizon, and modernizing financial platforms at Security Finance. She also contributed to the early development of Google Maps during her tenure at Google India, advancing to team lead within a year.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Ms. Thiagarajan is the creator of the YouTube channel My Experiments with Life – #Positivity #Learning, launched in 2023. Through this platform, she shares motivational content and insights focused on personal growth, technology, spirituality, and lifelong learning.

Her professional accomplishments have been recognized through honors including Marquis Who’s Who 2026, a featured podcast interview with Jim Masters on Close Up TV hosted across Apple Radio, Spotify, and iHeart., recognition in The National Law Review & EIN Presswire, and a certificate of appreciation from Virginia Tech for academic excellence and community involvement.

Outside of her professional work, Ms. Thiagarajan enjoys creating motivational YouTube content, exploring technology and spirituality, listening to contemporary music, and pursuing philanthropic and educational interests. She credits her strong work ethic and determination to the example set by her parents.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue advancing her leadership capabilities and pursue executive level opportunities that allow her to make significant contributions within the information technology sector.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in courage, persistence, and continuous learning, Ms. Thiagarajan remains committed to professional growth while inspiring others to pursue excellence and self-improvement.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026

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Presentations explored learning technology, accessibility and online pedagogy as higher education adapts to an AI-enabled future

PHOENIX, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix leaders shared insights on artificial intelligence, accessibility, online learning and student support at Building Blackboard Together 2026, Blackboard’s flagship user conference, held July 13-15 in Dallas, Texas. The conference brought together educators, institutional leaders and industry experts to explore innovations, technologies and emerging practices shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Representing University of Phoenix were Marc Booker, Ph.D., vice provost of strategy; Kelly Hermann, vice president of Accessibility and Student Affairs; and Erin Amsden, group product manager. Through presentations and panel discussions, the leaders shared perspectives on responsible AI adoption, accessibility leadership, student engagement and the evolving role of learning technologies in supporting institutional goals and student success.

“Building Blackboard Together provides an opportunity to engage with peers across higher education who are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges around technology, accessibility and learning mobility,” said Dr. Booker. “These conversations help advance practical approaches for supporting learners while thoughtfully integrating innovation into the educational experience.”

During the conference, University of Phoenix was also recognized with the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, which honors institutions advancing responsible, transparent and inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence that promote trust and equitable outcomes for learners and educators. The recognition follows the University’s ongoing efforts to support AI literacy, responsible use and AI-enabled learning experiences.

Exploring the Expanding Role of the Learning Management System

As part of the Strategic Leadership Summit, Booker served as a panelist for “The LMS as Mission-Critical: Connecting Learning, Experience & Evidence.” The session examined how learning management systems are evolving beyond course management to support learning, engagement and institutional insight across the student lifecycle.

Panelists discussed how institutions are leveraging learning technologies alongside student information systems to support teaching and learning, advising, co-curricular engagement and data-informed decision-making while addressing increasing expectations surrounding artificial intelligence, student success and accountability.

Sharing Lessons from AI-Powered Student Support

Booker also presented “Scaling AI-Powered Support Across the Student Experience at University of Phoenix,” a session focused on the University’s process for expanding its AI support assistant across the online classroom environment, moving from proof of concept to full-scale deployment over a six-month period.

In addition, Booker participated in “Online Pedagogy to Drive Institutional Growth: Best Practices and Success Stories,” a panel discussion exploring how institutions are designing engaging online learning experiences and leveraging Blackboard technologies to support quality course delivery and student engagement.

Advancing Accessibility Leadership

Hermann joined the session “Communicating Up: Turning Accessibility Work into Leadership-Ready Stories.” The presentation focused on strategies for translating accessibility initiatives into narratives, evidence and visualizations that resonate with institutional leaders.

The discussion explored ways to connect accessibility efforts to broader institutional priorities, demonstrate impact through data and support informed decision-making that advances accessibility and learner success.

Examining Emerging Challenges in Artificial Intelligence

Amsden served as a panelist for “Agentic AI in Pedagogy: Threats and Opportunities.” The session addressed the growing influence of agentic AI and its implications for academic integrity, assessment design and learner engagement.

Panelists explored how technology, pedagogy and security practices can work together to promote authentic student work while helping institutions balance innovation with responsible AI implementation.

Contributing to the Future of Teaching and Learning

Amsden, Booker and Hermann are key members of University of Phoenix’s dynamic leadership team, frequently invited to share their expertise at prestigious national conferences and events. In 2026, University leaders will participate in the ASU + GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit. These engagements underscore the University’s commitment to innovation and thought leadership in higher education, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborations that drive the future of learning.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

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