Applause, the global leader in testing, feedback and research for digital experiences, today formally announced Michael Weinberg as its General Manager for all of its operations in Israel. The addition comes as part of the company’s expanded presence and increased investment in Israel, and also as the company’s suite of digital quality tools and services – including its core In-the-Wild Testing Services and Applause Test Automation – have seen accelerated adoption by Israeli companies in recent quarters.
From leadership positions in the Israel’s Intelligence Corps’ Computing unit, through building a new business for Merrill Lynch with a strong technological infrastructure, to founding and growing a Consumer Internet startup company (Wizpert), Weinberg has extensive experience as he joins the Applause global leadership team. He holds a law degree from Bar Ilan University in Israel, and has earned an MBA from Columbia University.
“I’m ecstatic to have Michael take the reins as we make a direct investment in our Israeli presence,” said Applause CEO and Israeli native Doron Reuveni. “Adding someone with his diverse technology and business experience is a byproduct of our company’s growth and success in Israel and increased adoption of our value. Israeli brands understand the need to focus on their digital customers’ definition of quality, and we are the ones with the tools and services to help them do just that. Michael’s arrival fortifies us for the continuing steep growth and market adoption our technology is forecast to achieve – in Israel and beyond.”
The hire is the most prominent move in the company’s first direct investment in Israel after partnering closely for the past six years. The company also completed an acqui-hire of several employees from its strategic partner, and will extend its physical & digital presence in Israel in the coming months. Applause plans to have 20 employees in Israel by the end of 2016.
“Israel has proven to be a strategically important market, and was one of the growth engines that helped Applause get to where it is today,” said Applause co-founder and Israeli native Roy Solomon. “We’ve seen great adoption of our app quality tools and services, and – much like our investment in the EU where we saw a 400% increase in staff our first two years – we want to continue to invest and educate the market here on the importance of 360 degree app quality.”
The hire is also the latest news in what has been a headline-filled 18-month span for the app quality company. In late spring of 2014, the company announced an expanded vision and changed its name from uTest to Applause. At the same time, the company spun off a new, tester-centric uTest which itself relaunched late fall as a professional network for QA and QE professionals. Applause also made its formal entry into the EU with a major acquisition of leading German crowdtesting company, Testhub (which became Applause EU).
The company has seen steep growth and added to its collection of accolades. In February of 2015, the company was named to its 3rd consecutive list of Most Promising Companies in America by Forbes Magazine. In June, the company won its 5th American Business Award, this one for “Most Innovative Company – up to 2500 employees” Then, in August, the company was named to its 4th consecutive placing in the top 25% of the Inc. 5000.