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2U Names Kees Bol Chief Executive Officer

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2 years ago

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Veteran edtech executive to lead 2U and advance mission to expand access to transformative education

Matt Leavy appointed Chief Operating Officer to accelerate 2U’s growth and drive operational excellence

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 2U, a global leader in education technology, today announced the appointment of Kees Bol as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 27. Bol brings over a decade of education industry experience, most recently as CEO of online learning services provider Boundless Learning. Bol’s background positions him well to build on 2U’s long-standing leadership as the premier edtech partner for universities and employers and a top destination for learners seeking career-aligned, high-impact education.

“Kees Bol is a transformational leader who understands the power of education to change lives,” said Brian Napack, 2U’s Executive Chairman. “His deep industry knowledge and consistent record of building great education service organizations make him an excellent fit to lead 2U into its next phase. I’m looking forward to working with him to accelerate 2U’s evolution and innovation so we continue doing what we do best–enabling both institutions and learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Bol brings to 2U a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage transformations, and drive business growth. For over four years, he led what is now Boundless Learning, first as part of Pearson and later as an independent company, overseeing its carveout and guiding its return to growth and profitability. Previously, Bol led marketing, enrollment, and retention for Pearson’s K-12 virtual school division. Before joining Pearson, he was Chief Marketing Officer at Strategic Education, formerly Strayer Education, overseeing successful strategic initiatives to grow enrollment, enhance student success, and improve institutional performance. Prior to that, Bol held senior roles in marketing and operations at Capital One, leading efforts to drive product innovation and growth, including operational strategy, process optimization, and the design of critical infrastructure, including online platforms. He began his career at McKinsey & Company, focusing on strategic planning and operational management.

“2U has an incredible opportunity to advance world-class education at a global scale,” said Bol. “For more than 15 years, 2U has worked hand in hand with leading universities and institutions to break down barriers to life-changing higher education. I’m inspired by the 2U team, the depth of its institutional partnerships, and, above all, our shared commitment to delivering broad access to education that drives real career outcomes. At a time when this mission has never been more critical, we’ll build on 2U’s market leadership to create more pathways to opportunity for learners around the world.”

Bol succeeds Matt Norden, who has served as Interim CEO since October 2024. Norden will return to his role as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer.

“Matt Norden has been an exceptional steward of 2U during this critical period,” said Napack. “His leadership has been critical in maintaining 2U’s focus and momentum, and we are all grateful for his tireless work and many accomplishments.”

2U also announced today the appointment of Matt Leavy as Chief Operating Officer, effective January 27. Leavy has over 20 years of experience in education technology, driving business transformation, growth, and optimization. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Operations at Wiley and oversaw Wiley’s university services, education publishing, and consumer publishing businesses. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Pearson, including Managing Director of Global Managed Services and CEO of Pearson eCollege.

“Matt Leavy brings to 2U a strong track record of success leading and transforming some of the most important organizations in our space,” said Napack. “His deep commitment to our mission and his proven ability to drive rapid adaptation in fast-changing markets will help 2U accelerate into its next chapter of growth. With Kees Bol, Matt Leavy, and the rest of 2U’s strong leadership team, we’re well-positioned to accelerate our evolution and expand the impact of 2U and its partners.”

2U partnered with NU Advisory Partners on the Chief Executive Officer search process.

About 2U
2U is a global leader in education technology. Guided by its founding mission to increase access to higher education, 2U has spent over 15 years advancing the technology and innovation to deliver world-class learning outcomes at scale. Through its global online learning platform edX, 2U connects more than 91 million people with thousands of affordable, career-aligned learning opportunities in partnership with 260 of the world’s leading universities, institutions, and industry experts. From free courses to full degrees, 2U is creating a better future for all through the power of high-quality online education. Learn more at 2U.com.

Media Contact
media@2u.com

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SOURCE 2U

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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3 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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