Marketworks, a multi-channel ecommerce solution provider, has hired Ken Powell as its new Chief Executive Officer. He comes to Marketworks from Elance, where he served as Managing Director of Worldwide Sales Operations.

CEO Alec Peters stepped down early this year, saying Marketworks needed someone with a different skill set to take the company to the next level. Peters founded the company in 1999 as an eBay auction management service.

Powell brings an extensive technology and sales background from several emerging and global companies. He has served in CEO and president roles for two other technology companies, River Logic and EXE Technologies. His accomplishments include raising operating capital, taking new products to market, identifying and closing licensing deals and defining broader and more sustainable markets for future expansion.

Powell also spent a combined 15 years with three highly regarded technology leaders, Oracle Corporation, Apple Computer and Digital Equipment Corporation. Much of Powell's work took him outside the U.S., which fits into Marketworks expanding global presence, according to the company.

Powell said he plans to aggressively expand globally. His number one ambition is to "build a great company in a market that is a fun space." He believes retail is going through a revolutionary period, and is enthusiastic to "bring the most value to sellers and the marketplace."

"I like everything I see in Marketworks from its position in the U.S. and European marketplace, to the talent housed in its Atlanta headquarters and international offices, to its technology offering which is unmatched and that we will more aggressively market," said Powell. "I look forward to harnessing Marketworks' momentum in helping emerging and established businesses access and capture massive demand online through our multi-channel ecommerce solution."

Marketworks powers more than 4,000 businesses in 37 countries from its offices in the US, U.K., Germany and Australia. Atlanta-based Marketworks was awarded eBay's 2005 Star Developer Award for facilitating more product listings than any other provider.

Marketworks Chief Marketing Officer Paul Lundy said, "Ken is what we call an "active" CEO, meaning he's on the front line making sales and marketing contributions that affect the business on a daily basis. At the same time, he has the depth of experience, domestically and globally, to deliver the right strategy that will take Marketworks to the next level. We recently celebrated our company's six-year anniversary and it's a great time to look aggressively ahead."

http://www.marketworks.com