Extel Hires New Sales Directors to Strengthen Global Teams

Extel, a leading provider of proprietary benchmark research and rankings, has bolstered its global sales team with the addition of three new hires. The company’s leadership is excited to welcome Ursula Kizy, Liam Knox, and Eldar Gainutdinov to the organization, each bringing extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of Extel’s client base.

Ursula Kizy, who previously served as the Sales Director for Corporate Research in the Americas, will now lead the corporate and sell-side client segments. Kizy’s return to Extel is a significant milestone, as she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked closely with hundreds of corporate clients across the Americas. Based in Michigan, Kizy will leverage her deep industry expertise and Extel’s robust research methodology to further expand the firm’s client relationships.

Liam Knox, who has held various positions at Netskope and LSEG/Refinitiv, will be responsible for managing and expanding relationships with sell-side firms across Europe and the Americas. Prior to Extel, Knox demonstrated his versatility and experience in technology, market data, and capital markets. With a B.S. in Business Administration, Knox will play a crucial role in helping Extel navigate the complex landscape of sell-side financial institutions.

Eldar Gainutdinov, who has extensive experience in sales and client development across Asia, will be joining Extel from Gartner. His background at Euromoney Institutional Investor, where he led APAC sales for Infrastructure & Energy Data, will be instrumental in helping Extel establish a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region. Based in Hong Kong, Gainutdinov will focus on developing new relationships with corporate clients and expanding Extel’s client base in the region.

For over 55 years, Extel (formerly Institutional Investor Research) has been a trusted leader in proprietary benchmark research and rankings. Providing independent feedback on all three sides of the investment community, Extel is the premier choice for validating qualitative market intelligence. With a global presence spanning Europe, Emerging EMEA, Asia Pacific, North America, and Latin America, Extel continues to set the standard in independent market insights.

Extel’s leadership is committed to maintaining the company’s strong reputation and expanding its reach. The addition of these new hires underscores Extel’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, and the company’s continued dedication to providing valuable insights and data to its clients.