Directions Inc President and CEO Jim Lane Announces Retirement

When did Jim Lane retire, and who became the new CEO of Directions Inc?

CINCINNATI, OH – May 15, 2024 – Jim Lane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Directions Inc, retired on December 31, 2024, after nine years leading the firm, and was succeeded by Chief Client Officer Elizabeth (Beth) Finn. The Directions Inc Board of Directors named Finn as Lane's successor following an internal selection process and election by the company's ownership group.

Jim joined Directions in 2010 and was elected President and CEO in 2015 following the retirement of Randy Brooks, who founded and led the firm for 27 years. Under Jim's leadership, the firm experienced 64 percent revenue growth while maintaining a strong culture of customer-centric service. He also oversaw the successful acquisitions of SEEK Company in 2018 and Aimpoint Research® in 2021, bringing together an unmatched suite of quantitative, qualitative, and strategic intelligence capabilities.

“During Jim Lane’s nine-year tenure as our second president, our revenues grew dramatically,”

said Randy Brooks.

“We acquired two outstanding firms that diversified our base of business and worked to integrate these firms into a successful business model. We are all appreciative of Jim’s efforts, and I wish him the best in his retirement.”

What is Jim Lane's background in the insights industry?

Throughout his nearly 40-year career in the insights industry and business leadership, Jim held ownership and leadership positions with multiple firms, including Senior Vice President of Catalina Marketing and President and Owner of Market Intelligence, Inc. He has also been an active member of the Insights Association and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

“Serving the clients and employees of Directions, SEEK, and Aimpoint Research for nearly 15 years, including the last nine as President and CEO, has been the business privilege of a lifetime,” said Jim. “We have achieved tremendous success on many fronts, and today, the company is as strong as ever and positioned to capitalize on the changing world in which we compete.”

What is Beth Finn's background ahead of becoming CEO?

Beth has worked in the marketing and insights industry for over twenty years and brings extensive experience, management skills, and business acumen to the role. Previously serving as a senior-level consultant and strategic partner at Kantar, Beth joined Directions in 2016 and quickly established herself as a leading voice and advocate for clients. She also serves on the Board of Directors and is an ownership group member.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity, as well as the trust and faith the Board of Directors and our owners have in me to lead this incredible company,” said Beth. “Since joining Directions Inc, I’ve felt part of something truly exceptional – an organization deeply committed to excellence, client satisfaction, and challenging the status quo.”

About Directions Inc

Directions Inc is a collective of brands (Directions Research, SEEK Company, and Aimpoint Research®) empowering businesses to gain competitive advantage through integrated insights. Its expert advisors partner with clients to design custom research plans that gather and connect human-centered quantitative, qualitative, and intelligence-based insights. Directions Inc offers expertise across industry verticals including food, food service, agriculture, health and wellness, technology, financial services, and consumer-packaged goods, and is a privately held firm in Cincinnati, Ohio with regional offices around the country, conducting work globally.