J.D. Power Appointed Joshua Peirez as President and CEO, Ushering in a New Era of Data-Driven Growth
J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics, consumer insights, and software solutions, has announced a significant leadership transition aimed at steering the company through its next stage of growth. Effective immediately, Joshua Peirez has been named President and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Dave Habiger, who has led the company since 2018 and now assumes the role of Vice Chairman. Habiger will remain closely involved to support Peirez during the leadership transition.
Peirez’s appointment marks a strategic move by J.D. Power Appointed to sustain and accelerate its transformation into a global powerhouse in data analytics and enterprise software, particularly within the automotive sector and other key industries. With a career that spans senior leadership roles across some of the world’s most prominent data-focused enterprises, Peirez brings a wealth of experience in guiding companies through digital evolution, public market expansion, and value creation through advanced analytics and technology.
A New Chapter for J.D. Power
J.D. Power has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, undergoing a profound transformation under Habiger’s leadership. Originally known for its industry benchmarking and consumer satisfaction studies, the company has evolved into a vertically integrated provider of predictive analytics, proprietary data assets, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms that enable mission-critical decisions for clients across the automotive, financial services, insurance, and telecommunications industries.
During Habiger’s seven-year tenure, J.D. Power tripled in size. The company expanded its proprietary data sets, including some of the industry’s most comprehensive automotive datasets, and introduced advanced software solutions powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Habiger also oversaw a series of strategic investments and acquisitions that deepened J.D. Power’s capabilities and broadened its global footprint.
Now in its fifth consecutive year of robust revenue and operational growth, the company is poised to further scale its analytics-driven offerings under Peirez’s guidance.
Peirez Brings Visionary Leadership and Proven Growth Expertise
Peirez joins J.D. Power from Sterling Check Corp., a global leader in background screening and identity verification services, where he served as CEO and Director since 2018. At Sterling, Peirez orchestrated a period of rapid growth, highlighted by the company’s successful initial public offering (IPO) in 2021 and its strategic merger with First Advantage Corporation in 2024. These milestones not only underscored Peirez’s ability to navigate complex corporate strategies but also demonstrated his focus on driving sustainable value through digital innovation and operational excellence.
Before his tenure at Sterling, Peirez was President and Chief Operating Officer of Dun & Bradstreet, a venerable institution in the world of commercial data and analytics. There, he led major operational initiatives and product innovations aimed at modernizing the company’s offerings for a data-driven global economy. His ability to bridge data science and business strategy made him a key figure in the company’s efforts to reposition itself as an agile, insights-driven platform.
Earlier in his career, Peirez spent over a decade at MasterCard, where he rose to the role of Chief Innovation Officer. During this time, he spearheaded key initiatives in product development and digital payments and was instrumental in shaping the company’s global innovation agenda. This role gave him deep insights into customer-centric innovation, cybersecurity, data privacy, and financial technology—expertise that will serve him well as he leads J.D. Power through its next phase.
Guiding J.D. Power into the Future
Peirez takes the helm at a time when data, automation, and customer experience have never been more critical to business success. As industries face mounting pressure to innovate through AI, optimize operations, and anticipate customer needs, J.D. Power’s unique blend of industry expertise and data science capabilities positions it as a crucial strategic partner to businesses worldwide.
“I’m incredibly excited to join J.D. Power at such a pivotal moment in its evolution,” said Peirez in a statement. “This is a company with an iconic brand, an unparalleled legacy of trust, and a forward-looking portfolio of data and software solutions. What Dave and the team have accomplished is remarkable. I’m honored to build upon their achievements and help lead the company into its next era of global expansion and customer value.”
Peirez emphasized that his focus will be on further integrating the company’s data, analytics, and software platforms to offer more intelligent, real-time solutions that drive competitive advantage for clients. “The industries we serve are undergoing rapid transformation, from electrification in automotive to digital lending in financial services. J.D. Power has the tools, expertise, and vision to empower our clients to make smarter decisions at scale,” he added.
A Legacy of Leadership
Habiger, who transitions into the role of Vice Chairman, expressed strong confidence in Peirez’s leadership and strategic fit. “Josh is an exceptional executive with a deep understanding of how to harness data and technology to drive meaningful business results,” said Habiger. “He’s exactly the right person to take J.D. Power into its next phase. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past several years and thrilled to support Josh as he builds on that foundation.”
During his time as CEO, Habiger championed an ambitious growth strategy that included diversifying the company’s industry focus, globalizing its operations, and investing heavily in next-generation technology platforms. His leadership helped reposition J.D. Power as not just a data provider, but a solution partner for some of the world’s most complex business challenges.
A Global Workforce with a Mission
J.D. Power’s transformation has also been people-driven. The company now boasts a global workforce of thousands of employees and data scientists working across North America, Europe, and Asia. These teams are responsible for developing and managing some of the most sophisticated decisioning tools in the market—tools that help clients predict consumer behavior, optimize supply chains, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline operational efficiency.
Peirez has expressed his commitment to fostering this culture of innovation and collaboration. “What sets J.D. Power apart is not just its technology or its data—it’s the people,” he said. “We have incredibly talented teams who deeply understand the industries we serve. Together, we will continue pushing boundaries and delivering value where it matters most.
