COSTA MESA, Calif. — J.D. Power today named technology veteran Dave Habiger president and CEO. He succeeds Finbarr O’Neill, who announced in October his intentions to retire from the data and analytics firm this month.

Habiger will oversee the global strategic direction and business strategy of J.D Power, including the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. He will also lead the development of the company’s short- and long-term business strategy and execution, advancing the digitization of the business and furthering the company’s social and corporate mission. 

“J.D. Power is fortunate to have a leader and operator of Dave’s caliber to execute on this next phase of transition and growth,” O’Neill said. “I would like to thank employees for their commitment and dedication to driving our business forward, and remain highly confident in the future growth trajectory of the company with Dave at the helm.”

Habiger, 49, is a seasoned technology sector visionary who has led several initial public offerings and served as CEO of multiple public companies listed on both the NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). As part of his agreement to join J.D. Power, Habiger will make a significant investment in the company.

"As a technologist fascinated with data and analytics, I have long admired J.D. Power’s unrivaled consumer focus and advisory services,” Habiger said. “Now, as the company reaches key inflection points, I look forward to working with J.D. Power’s strong management team while bringing my prior experience to further maximize the potential of its digital strategy and push into the consumer market.”  

Previously, Habiger served as a director and CEO of Textura, a construction management software and payments company; CEO of NDS Group, a television software and security company; and president and CEO of Sonic Solutions, a consumer software firm. Habiger serves on several corporate boards, including GrubHub and Echo Global Logistics. 

J.D. Power’s new chief executive also served as chairman of a governmental Electric Vehicle Commission to design infrastructure for charging stations. He is also a long-standing member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, as well as a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. He was also named Entrepreneur of the Year by EY (formerly Ernst & Young).

“Dave Habiger is a world recognized leader with an extremely impressive track record and a deep understanding of technology and consumer analytics," said Joseph Pacini, a J.D. Power board member and CEO of XIO Group, J.D. Power’s parent company. “Dave has the right vision and operational experience to lead J.D. Power to its next level of success during this period of disruptive innovation across all industries.”