SmartBiz Industry Expert

Fathom Online is a leading marketing services company that provides the next generation of interactive advertising products, global search & media buying services and analytics technology & marketing intelligence platforms.

Known as a serial CEO who takes companies to the next level of growth and market leadership, Mr. DeBiase has been the CEO of independent companies and Fortune 500 subsidiaries, including: Autoweb, which he took public and merged with Autobytel, creating the largest Internet automotive marketing services company; and The Imagination Network, a leading online games and social networking company, which he sold to AOL.

Mr. DeBiase has built leading consumer and business services companies in media, entertainment, consumer electronics, distribution, retail, advertising, marketing/consulting services, interactive TV and Internet industries. Focused on strategically profitable growth, he has led private and public corporations through diverse phases, including expansion, turnaround, M&A and IPO.

Before becoming a Silicon Valley business innovator, DeBiase was Chief Marketing Officer of Zenith/LG Electronics and headed their broadband services division—orchestrating a successful turnaround of that business unit. Previously at Anixter, he operated new divisions, partnerships and JV’s with AT&T; and as one of FedEx’s youngest Managing Directors, he ran two regional business units and helped pioneer the company’s efforts into the electronic and direct marketing industries.

DeBiase is also Chairman of Startup Partners, which helps large corporations act like resourceful startups again—to reboot growth. They also help CEO’s tackle their most challenging issues, seize emerging market opportunities and provide organizations with board and interim CEO services. As Chairman of Startup Partners, he has served in various director and operating roles, including CEO of FreeDrive, a social media sharing network, which he expanded and sold to become a part of AOL; and CEO of CatchTV, a TV-to-Web advertising platform, which they sold to Liberty Media.

A frequent speaker, media guest, and industry spokesperson, DeBiase is a coauthor of the best selling book, The Big Moo. He co-founded Remarkabalize.com—a network of best-selling authors, bloggers and business leaders that provides keynote speaking programs and he is developing his Reboot Growth Guide into a new book. Mr. DeBiase is also involved in various public, private and government organizations and boards—currently the IAB, AAAA, DMA, Excelligence Corporation, Donlen Corporation, The NIU Foundation, The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, DHS Identity Theft Technology Council, The USSS Electronic Crimes Taskforce and TechNet, a CEO network that partners with policy makers to advance America’s global leadership in the innovation economy.

Acknowledged for his value creation leadership—through development of next generation services and ventures—his organizations are often recognized for producing award winning products, brands, trademarks, media, programming, campaigns, technologies, software, patents and IP. Mr. DeBiase received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Illinois University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School and attended the Directors’ College at Stanford University and the MBA-Plus Program at the University of Chicago. In his free time, he’s an active member of The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and enjoys boating and skiing with his family.