Michael Walrath
Michael Walrath became CEO and Chairman of Yext on March 25, 2022, having served as Chairman of the Board since 2011. He has been instrumental in revising Yext's go-to-market and operational strategies, executing significant strategic pivots, including the company's AI initiatives, and managing complex transactions. Walrath also focuses on disciplined capital allocation to drive value for Yext. Michael Walrath founded Right Media in 2003, pioneering the world's first open exchange for digital advertising, which he sold to Yahoo! for $850 million in 2007. In 2009, he co-founded WGI Group, a venture capital firm providing growth capital to startups. He also co-founded and served as Chairman of Moat Inc., an analytics company acquired by Oracle in April 2017. Walrath joined the Yext board in 2009, becoming Chairman in 2011, and now serves as CEO and Chairman, leading the company in digital media innovation. His entrepreneurial journey consistently focuses on building solutions for unmet industry needs.
Career Milestones
- Founded Right Media in 2003, pioneering the world's first open exchange for digital advertising, later sold to Yahoo! for $850 million in 2007.
- Co-founded WGI Group in 2009, a venture capital firm providing growth capital to startups.
- Co-founded and served as Chairman of Moat Inc., an analytics company acquired by Oracle in April 2017.
- Joined Yext’s board in 2009, became Chairman in 2011, and was appointed CEO and Chairman in March 2022.
- Led strategic pivots and AI initiatives at Yext, focusing on operational efficiency and capital discipline to drive value creation.
About Yext
Yext is a digital presence platform that helps multi-location brands manage their online information across various digital touchpoints, including listings, search, and social media. Serving thousands of customers worldwide, Yext leverages AI and machine learning to deliver consistent, accurate, and engaging customer experiences. This innovative approach allows brands to differentiate themselves by building customer trust and ensuring their digital presence is a competitive advantage.