Gate City Capital Management Withdraws Saga Board Nominations; Continues To Seek Company Reforms

Gate City Capital Management Withdraws Saga Board Nominations; Continues To Seek Company Reforms

Saga Communications Saga Communications Activist investor Gate City Capital Management has withdrawn its proposal to have four people added to Saga Communications’ Board of Directors as it continues to push back against Saga’s “digital transformation” and its impact on profitability, cash flow, and share price Earlier this year, Gate City Founder/Portfolio Manager Michael Melby informed Saga of their intent to nominate Melby, partner Nicholas Bodnar along with Emmis EVP/CFO/Treasurer Ryan Hornaday and The Weather Channel CFO Christopher Young to Saga’s board as part of a proposal to make changes at the company including cost cutting, partnering with a third party to handle to digital strategy, revising management’s incentive compensation structure, and utilizing the company’s cash balance to buy back stock and initiate negotiations with the Edward K. Christian Trust to purchase the trust’s remaining shares. Saga revealed a strategic action plan earlier this month , which after continued discussions between the parties, has led to the withdrawal of the board nominations, but continuing to seek additional changes at the company. In a new letter to Saga Chairman Warren Lada this week, Melby commented, “Gate City’s decision to nominate directors was based on our belief that Saga was determined to […]

China to push for digital transformation of light industry

China to push for digital transformation of light industry

An employee of a smart spinning enterprise works on a fully automatic roving production line in Jimo District of Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province, on March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) — China has issued a light industry digital transformation implementation plan, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Thursday. By 2027, the popularization rate of digital research and design tools in key light industry enterprises will reach around 90 percent, according to the plan jointly issued by the ministry and other two central government authorities. By 2030, digital transformation will be extensively carried out in major light-industry enterprises, rendering them more high-end, intelligent and greener. To achieve the goals, the plan outlines four major actions: empowering the light industry with new-generation IT; innovating new business models and applications; promoting high-quality industrial development; and strengthening foundational support. These are further detailed into 15 specific measures. At the end of 2024, the popularization rate of digital research and design tools in light industry enterprises reached 84.9 percent, 0.8 percentage points higher than the national average. ■

Business Transformation

Business Transformation

Modern City Concepts: intersection, Over the past 20 years, Wolters Kluwer has transformed tremendously, evolving from a well-established publishing house to a leading expert solutions provider. By streamlining workflows and automating routine tasks, we are revolutionizing the way professionals work. Leveraging advanced technology, businesses can free up valuable time, allowing teams to focus on strategic objectives. However, true digital transformation goes beyond just implementing new tools. It’s about rethinking how technology, people, and processes can work together to boost performance and achieve impactful results. We know what it takes to successfully transform, and we can help you transform too. Featured Reports: Business, Digital & Technology Transformation Our comprehensive guide on Business, Digital & Technology Transformation delves into how these transformations can significantly enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. You’ll discover insights on integrating AI, cloud computing, and data analytics to optimize operations and improve customer experiences. Explore our latest insights. blue geometric shape abstract technology background AI is transforming the Office of the CFO Finance AI adoption within the Office of the CFO is no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ and ‘how’. Read More Automotive Finance Digital Transformation Index Q4 2024 Auto […]

Digital transformation returns to the forefront

Digital transformation returns to the forefront

After numerous months of modernizing, reducing costs, and experimenting with new technologies, companies are ready to see results. That’s why leading organizations are renewing their focus on digital transformation — not just for cost optimization but also for other strategic benefits that support a growth agenda. Many are using managed services as part of their playbook. According to the latest KPMG and HFS Research Managed Services Outlook Surveyopens in a new tab , more than 73 percent of companies seek transformational impact from managed services providers, and buyers expect this impact to more than double in importance in the next two years. While ongoing process optimization remains essential, companies are also seeking transformational impact in the form of: Strategic outcomes that drive competitive advantage. Examples could include regulator trust, customer retention, margin improvement, debt reduction, and faster speed to market for new applications. Business model transformation. Managed services can be a springboard for reconsidering a company’s business model. For instance, a revamped, tech-enabled process could open the door to new revenue streams or help reimagine ways of connecting with customers. Technology innovation. Through managed services, companies can access tech that otherwise could be challenging to build or evolve internally. […]

Continual data protection in the cloud

Continual data protection in the cloud

At the heart of all digital transformations is data. And as data grows across users, devices and cloud applications, so does the need for security and compliance. In fact, cybersecurity and data privacy are two of the top issues on the 2024 board agendaopens in a new tab , because as the cloud makes data easier for business teams to access, it also creates risk for data breaches, exposure of sensitive data, and regulatory challenges. That’s why progressive companies develop an approach to data protection before moving it to the cloud. They determine ways to embed security, privacy, and compliance in their target operating model — including processes, behaviors, technology, and other areas. An ongoing process These companies also consider how to continue integrating and protecting data after the launch of a cloud platform, as the business evolves. Some are getting help from leading managed services providers, who have deep expertise in data security, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. These providers can help companies continually optimize their approach to data protection, with key actions such as: Classifying the different kinds of data in the enterprise. With organizational data growing at an exponential rate, the best providers determine the right security […]

Data Spaces: The Missing Link in Digital Transformation

Data Spaces: The Missing Link in Digital Transformation

Data spaces offer a standardised, scalable way to exchange information across industries. Picture: Getty Images As an early member of the Catena-X association, CGI is helping to develop and establish the first global automotive data ecosystem In today’s complex industrial landscape, companies struggle with high costs, regulatory pressures and fragile supply chains. Yet, despite the widespread push for digital transformation, many businesses fail to connect the dots between their challenges and the critical role of data. According to Ralf Schippert, Senior Vice President at CGI, “the key hurdle is that organisations don’t recognise data as the solution, when in fact it is the bridge that turns problems into opportunities.” This is where data spaces come into play, offering a standardised, scalable way to exchange information across entire industries without compromising data ownership or security. Rather than drowning in technical jargon, companies need to recognise data spaces for what they truly are: a practical tool for solving real-world problems—not an abstract technology concept. Businesses waste enormous resources managing fragmented data exchanges, making multiple connections with each customer and supplier. A data space simplifies this by providing one universal communication method that integrates seamlessly into existing systems. The benefits are undeniable: […]

GFT advances AI plan with US CEO hire

GFT advances AI plan with US CEO hire

Digital transformation company GFT appointed a former EY executive as its latest US CEO, seeking benefits in an AI strategy for customers and in-house operations. Rishi Chohan succeeds Marco Santos in the role, after the latter became GFT’s global chief in January. The company stated the pair would help guide a five-year transformation strategy centred on AI which includes plans to develop vertical-specific services. GFT explained it is tapping Chohan’s more than 20-years of experience in the US software and services industry. Along with professional services company EY, Chohan worked with software development and digital services provider SoftServe. Santos detailed a target for GFT to become “AI-centric” over the next five years, commenting this would require the right set of personnel. Chohan noted an opportunity for companies to employ AI in developing “new products and services”, expand their customer base and create fresh revenue streams. GFT cited McKinsey and Company figures showing 19 per cent of companies had grown revenue by more than 5 per cent after deploying AI as evidence businesses must overhaul legacy systems to access fresh use cases.

Q&A: connected commerce - what comes next for ecommerce?

Q&A: connected commerce – what comes next for ecommerce?

In today’s fast-changing ecommerce landscape, the expectations of consumers are evolving rapidly. Businesses need to respond – and fast. This means putting consumers at the heart of their thinking and working with the right technology partners. Doing so will help firms leverage connected commerce solutions to unlock growth and enhance customer experiences with seamless and secure buying journeys. In this fireside chat Michaela Weber, SVP and GM of payments and global business development at BigCommerce and Ben Thirlwall, head of SaaS platforms and EMEA at Stripe join Tom Watts, creative director – branded content at Raconteur to explore what comes next for ecommerce as both online purchases and customer expectations increase rapidly. Q Lovely to be joined by you both. To kick us off, why has there never been a better time to be an ecommerce business? BT I think from a Stripe perspective, we’re just very excited about it because we’ve seen so much growth since 2020. The ecommerce space, as it’s generally defined, has grown 10% year on year. I think what that growth has done is drive enormous amounts of innovation for the benefit of the end consumer. Ecommerce experiences are becoming increasingly frictionless, and that’s […]

Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services announce tech-driven partnership to deliver digital transformation

Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services announce tech-driven partnership to deliver digital transformation

Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services have signed a five-year partnership to explore opportunities for digital transformation, innovation and operational efficiency within the airline industry. Air New Zealand and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have signed a five-year partnership to explore opportunities for digital transformation, innovation and operational efficiency within the airline industry. The agreement sets a framework for collaboration between Air New Zealand and TCS, focusing on key areas such as cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation. “Leveraging TCS’ expertise in cutting-edge technologies will help us enhance the customer experience, streamline operations, and reinforce our commitment to cybersecurity and data protection,” said Greg Foran, Chief Executive, Air New Zealand. “This collaboration aligns with our vision to be a digitally enabled airline of the future. We began working with TCS in September 2024 and in just a few short months, we’ve seen the benefits of tapping into the depth and breadth of talent and expertise they have when it comes to digital solutions. Going forward, TCS will be an instrumental partner in helping us deliver our cargo digital transformation and improvements to our digital retail capability. We’re excited about the benefits this partnership will bring for […]

Hugo Boss Is Breaking Down Data Silos to Optimize Planning

Hugo Boss Is Breaking Down Data Silos to Optimize Planning

Courtesy of Hugo Boss As it aspires to be the “leading tech-driven fashion platform,” Germany-based luxury label Hugo Boss has been undergoing a digital transformation that includes advancing its planning processes. Supporting this technology-focused strategy, the company is shifting from fragmented, manual planning activities to unified, artificial intelligence-powered systems that it sees enabling better use of data for decision-making across the supply chain. Through this work, the company expects to be able to respond to demand changes quicker, improve sourcing decisions and achieve better inventory alignment for greater availability, reduced markdowns and boosted margins. During a panel at o9 ’s Aim10x Digital virtual event, Ralf Kromer, vice president business planning and analysis at Hugo Boss, explained the motivation behind this transformation. “Currently, we are living in a very volatile market, and we need data, and we need a decision-finding process which everybody can trust, everybody can build on,” he said, adding that the company is seeking to make planning more accurate and quicker by using AI and algorithms. Hugo Boss sought a “real-time integrated” technology solution, which it found in o9’s Digital Brain, a platform that unifies analytics, planning and decision-making. “It’s one technology stack, end-to-end and across the […]