Kelley becomes head of Millard

Jeff Kelley has been named president of Millard Group, effective this month, while former president Ben Perez has been named SVP of strategic and business development for the Services Group unit of InfoGroup, Millard's parent company.

Kelley, a 14-year Millard veteran, previously served as SVP of list management for the company.

Ed Mallin, president of InfoGroup's Services Group, called Kelley “the logical choice” for the job.

“We made the decision with Ben and Jeff a little while ago. It's what everybody has wanted,” said Mallin. “Ben was looking for a role where he wasn't involved in day-to-day operation (of Millard Group), but could be involved in the more overall strategic services of the Services Group.”

Mallin said that Perez would still be dedicating a portion of his attention to the Millard Group, while at the same time, “working with me on some of the needs of the Services Group.”

Mallin noted that direct marketing is facing some “challenging times” and expects Kelley to guide the Millard Group through them.

“The transition will be seamless,” he said. “Jeff is a perfect fit, he knows the clients and employees very well.”

According to his profile on Millard's Web site, Kelley was previously the director of marketing for domestications at Hanover Direct Inc. He also worked for Sara Lee Direct in the list development area, and held marketing positions at General Nutrition Corp. and Best Products Inc.

Like Kelley, Perez served as SVP of list management for the company before being named president in 1992. He has been with Millard since 1984.

In November 2005, InfoUSA, now InfoGroup, acquired Millard Group. Millard was founded in 1977.