Email marketing platform taps enterprise scaling expert as founder transitions to Chief Scientist role
The popular AI-powered email platform Iterable has appointed former Salesforce executive Sam Allen as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025. The appointment marks a strategic leadership evolution as the company positions itself for accelerated enterprise growth and AI innovation.
While the official press release indicates an August 1 effective date, Allen’s LinkedIn announcement suggests he has already begun transitioning into the CEO role, writing that he has “stepped into the role of CEO at Iterable.” This appears to reflect either an early start to the transition period or a soft handover ahead of the formal effective date.
Allen brings over three decades of experience in enterprise software, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Pipeline Officer at Salesforce. During his decade-plus tenure at the CRM giant, Allen helped drive tens of billions of dollars in pipeline and led multiple high-growth, global business units, while playing a key role in more than 20 strategic acquisitions.
The leadership transition also sees Iterable founder and current CEO Andrew Boni moving to the newly created role of Chief Scientist, where he will focus full-time on advancing the company’s product and AI roadmap, including its recently announced AI agent, Iterable Nova.
Strategic Focus on Enterprise Growth
Allen will lead Iterable’s next chapter, with a focus on expanding its enterprise business, deepening its global footprint, amplifying customer impact, and advancing the company’s leadership in AI-powered customer engagement, according to the company’s announcement.
“We’re at a defining moment in marketing,” said Allen in his first public statement as CEO. “Iterable’s AI is fundamentally reshaping how brands connect with customers, and raising the bar for speed, personalization, and measurable impact. I am honored to lead Iterable through this next chapter of growth and this exciting time of AI innovation.”
Allen also shared his enthusiasm on LinkedIn, writing: “What drew me here wasn’t just the technology. It was the clarity of purpose, the caliber of the team, and the drive to solve marketers’ most significant problems with urgency and intention.”
Founder’s New Role Signals AI Push
The transition of founder Andrew Boni to Chief Scientist reflects Iterable’s commitment to AI innovation. “This is a strategic investment that I’m very excited about, and one that will dramatically accelerate our ability to execute and innovate for years to come,” said Boni. “Bringing Sam in allows us to move faster operationally and sets Iterable up for long-term success.”
In his new role, Boni will work closely with Product, Engineering, and strategic customers to accelerate Nova’s development and drive long-term product differentiation. He will continue to serve on Iterable’s Board of Directors.
Company Performance and Market Position
The leadership change comes at a time of significant growth for Iterable. The company surpassed $200 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in early 2024 and powers customer engagement for more than 1,200 brands across 50+ countries worldwide.
Iterable board member Stephanie Buscemi, CMO of Confluent, praised the leadership pairing: “Sam brings the enterprise leadership and scaling expertise needed to propel Iterable’s world-class customer communication platform forward. As founder, Boni brings an unmatched product vision. Together, they represent the ideal pairing to guide Iterable through its next horizon of growth.”
Allen’s Background
Prior to Salesforce, Allen served as Global COO of Tableau, where he drove double-digit profitable growth, and as EVP and COO of Salesforce.org. His career also includes corporate development and global M&A experience at both Salesforce and Cisco, as well as leadership roles at venture-backed startups.
Allen began his career as an Officer in the US Marine Corps, where he served for a decade with distinction and received personal decorations. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.
