Press Releases
Kelli Hobbs Joins Valuedynamx as VP of US Business Development
Valuedynamx, a leading global provider of curated, data-driven omnichannel purchase rewards, today announced the appointment of Kelli Hobbs as the new VP of Business Development in the US. In this role, Hobbs will drive strategic growth initiatives and cultivate partnerships to enhance Valuedynamx's market presence in the US. Hobbs’ hire is in line with the organization’s continued expansion in the US market.
Hobbs brings impressive experience and a proven track record of nearly two decades in the loyalty, engagement and fintech sectors. Having previously held prominent positions at Blackhawk Network (BHN) and Connexions Loyalty Travel Solutions, Hobbs’ expertise spans business development, partner engagement, and strategic planning. Her deep understanding of market dynamics and customer-centric approach aligns seamlessly with Valuedynamx's aim to make brands more relevant to more customers through a wide range of earn and redemption solutions. Hobbs also has significant expertise in key verticals relevant to Valuedynamx, including travel, retail and financial services.
"Kelli has driven revenue and engagement with some of the largest gifting, travel and reward programs in the world. We are thrilled to welcome her to Valuedynamx, where she will help to accelerate adoption of our unique offers and rewards that result in customer engagement, and ultimately more profitable long-term relationships, for partners in the US,” said James Berry, Valuedynamx Managing Director. “We are delighted to continue investing in growth in the US market and expand our female leadership bench with a professional as talented and tenured as Kelli.”
The market is right for companies to delight their customers with relevant reward opportunities. According to a 2023 Consumer Pulse Survey from McKinsey & Company, even though consumers continue to spend money, they are looking for better value. Eighty percent of respondents said they are modifying their habits by opting for more budget-friendly options – up from 74% of respondents in 2022.
“I am thrilled to join Valuedynamx at a time when rewards and loyalty initiatives are critically important,” Hobbs said. “Consumers are increasingly shifting from brand loyalty to experience loyalty and looking for ways to offset inflation. Brands need relevant ways to engage these consumers, often with hyper personalized and digitized efforts. Effective rewards programs can be mutually beneficial: providing consumers with differentiated rewards that add value, and spurring brand loyalty and engagement for the brands that do them right.”
Prior to joining Valuedynamx, Minneapolis-based Hobbs held other relevant leadership positions, including VP of Channel Development for Wolfe, Senior Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships with Onbe, Head of Strategic Partnerships with Prezzee, Senior Director of Digital Strategic Sales with BHN, Director of BtoB North America for Smartbox Experience and Sales Manager for Connexions Loyalty Travel Solutions.
Valuedynamx Announces New Pay with Points Solution to Help Brands More Effectively and Frequently Engage Loyalty Program Members
As the battle for customer loyalty and engagement rages, Valuedynamx, a leading global provider of curated, data-driven omnichannel purchase rewards, has announced its new “Pay with Points” solution that enables enterprises with points- or miles-based loyalty programs (such as airlines, banks or credit card issuers) to offer more robust reward options via Valuedynamx’s massive, ever-growing global network of merchant partners. The Pay with Points program offers loyalty program participants more choice to redeem their points for aspirational or everyday purchases from brands they love, and opportunities to use their points more often for smaller-dollar options.
Pay with Points empowers loyalty program members to redeem their points for currency (e.g., eGift cards) from hundreds of carefully curated, popular merchant and restaurant brands (e.g., fashion, technology, food and beverage, travel and experiences)—even if those brands are not the ones through which they have earned points. It also drives more frequent loyalty program participation and brand engagement along the way. The fully digital program delivers reward currency in real time for frictionless redemption and spending experiences in-store or online.
“Our new Pay with Points solution is a more robust redemption option for the loyalty industry, and delivers optimal value for consumers, our clients and our partners. Research continues to show that shoppers are actively seeking out deals—particularly loyalty points offers—to help offset inflation and other economic challenges, so this solution could not be more timely,” said Kelli Hobbs, VP, Head of US Business Development at Valuedynamx. “People value flexibility and choice in their rewards, and appreciate being able to use their rewards the way they want. Pay with Points optimizes loyalty program participation for consumers, and will help businesses capture and captivate their target audiences as brand loyalty wanes.”
Pay with Points solves for common pain points consumers often associate with reward programs because it enables loyalty program members to select their own rewards based on their personal preferences. The exchange and redemption process is quick and simple, and it includes lower redemption thresholds so members have more opportunities to earn and spend. For instance, it may take a long time for a consumer to earn enough points through an airline loyalty program for a free flight. But having the option to redeem those airline loyalty points for lower-cost options from other brands provides greater choice and delights customers.
Additionally, Pay with Points eliminates friction for reward program managers looking to drive engagement and program ROI within well-established or emerging programs that reach a broad customer base. The range of reward options fit a wide breadth of member preferences, and members can access their balance regularly from just about anywhere—cultivating relationships and reducing the risk of participation dormancy. The frequent engagement opportunities help drive brand affinity and customer lifetime value, broadening brand reach, driving incremental spend and opening up cross- and up-sell engagement opportunities.
Thanks to its extensive global network of retail and card provider partners, Valuedynamx offers real-time program functionality seamlessly delivered locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.