Mariner, the diversified tech conglomerate based in Saint John, has acquired Ottawa-based SEASI Consulting Inc. and named the consultancy’s principal Donald Richard the Vice-President of its Data and Analytics practice.
Mariner issued a statement last week saying it had completed the acquisition and that Richard, a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, would set up his team in Halifax.
"It’s exciting to be returning home to Nova Scotia, and to be joining a key player in the Atlantic Canadian technology industry,” said Richard in the statement. “Mariner is truly a class act, taking world-first analytical solutions to market globally, as well as funding, mentoring and supporting . . . startups in Atlantic Canada.”
Richard will lead a growing team of consultants working in the areas of data management, data architecture, business analytics, and data science, said the statement. He will also continue his work in developing local chapters of international tech and data organizations.
In the past, Richard has been instrumental in developing chapters of Transforming Data with Intelligence, DAMA International, and America’s SAP User Group.
“With over 20 years of domain experience, Donald is a respected thought leader and has served as a trusted adviser on many high-profile initiatives in both the public and private sectors,” said Paul Eisner, President of Mariner Innovations.
Mariner began in 2003 when veterans of iMagicTV, which provided software for video services, launched a new company to improve the delivery of videos online and alert providers of any problems with video transmissions. That business, known as xVu, is the core of Mariner’s business.
The company’s other three pillars are: Shift Energy, which has developed an internet-of-things application to conserve energy in large facilities; Mariner Innovations, which provides advisory and professional services and project delivery; and East Valley Ventures, the loosely held portfolio of 22 startup investments, held by Mariner itself and/or members of its network.
Mariner employs more than 200 IT and software professionals working with clients both regionally and around the globe.