In his new position, Mr. Patel will oversee strategic planning and development of online advertising, social media, public relations, websites, digital tools, branding standards, search engine marketing, and sales support for Appleton Group brands across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

In appointing Mr. Patel, Kerry Nedic, Vice President of Marketing for Appleton Group, stated, “As we further strengthen our brand leadership in a rebounding global economy, Gautam brings the strategic vision, web-based marketing experience, and technical vision Appleton Group needs to realize its full potential and expand its online presence.”

Mr. Patel has 15 years of Internet and online marketing experience with top-tier firms serving industrial and consumer markets. Prior to joining Appleton Group, he served as Vice President of Digital Marketing, Director of Business Intelligence, and Internet Marketing Manager for Career Education Corporation, a Fortune 500 educational services company, where he oversaw a media budget of $140 million allocated across 11 brands and 45,000 students. Mr. Patel’s electrical background was honed at Schneider Electric as a Technical Sales Engineer. He also ran his own SEM marketing company, Interblue, Inc., serving medical and dental practices. Mr. Patel is fluent in English, Gujarati and Hindi, underscoring the importance of Appleton Group’s expanding global vision.

Mr. Patel earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ohio State University, and an MBA in Marketing Strategy from DePaul University, Chicago where he Graduated with Distinction.  A former Airman with the United States Air Force, Mr. Patel is an FAA Licensed Pilot.