XCentium, an award-winning digital consultancy, is excited to announce the formalization of its Software Research and Development (R&D) division as part of its continued growth. The new division is set to complement XCentium's renowned consultancy services and deepen its investment in key industry partnerships, including Sitecore and Insite Commerce. The R&D team will focus on managing the entire product lifecycle process—from idea generation and product conception to product delivery across multiple channels.
Previously, XCentium's product portfolio included several key software modules, such as XBlog, a blog module for Sitecore, and the Gigya-Sitecore Connector, developed through XCentium’s partnership with Gigya. The creation of the R&D division reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its offerings and developing innovative solutions that benefit the Sitecore and Insite Commerce communities.
Leadership of the Software R&D Division
The Software R&D division will be led by Mark Servais, Director of Research and Development at XCentium. A two-time Sitecore Most Valued Professional (MVP) award winner, Mark brings over 20 years of experience in software engineering and has worked with notable companies like Harley-Davidson, Briggs & Stratton, MillerCoors, and Milwaukee Tool. With a Master's degree in Software Engineering from Carroll University, Mark has a proven track record in delivering successful solutions across a wide range of industries and software development lifecycles.
“We are excited to enhance our R&D capabilities and expand our product portfolio with a dedicated team," said Mark Servais. "We’ve already delivered 16 modules to the Sitecore and Insite Commerce community, and the creation of this division is a major step in expanding our innovations. Some exciting projects are already in the pipeline and will be launched before the end of the year.”
East Coast Expansion and Key Hires
As part of its strategic growth, XCentium has made several key hires to bolster its East Coast presence. Among these hires are Dan Solovay, a three-time Sitecore MVP and Sitecore xDB Architect, who joins the Boston team as Lead Architect. With over 17 years of development experience, Dan is an advocate for Agile development practices and is actively involved in the New England Sitecore User Group. His expertise spans a wide range of subjects, including Test-Driven Development and Sitecore 7, and he has presented at multiple Sitecore events, including Sitecore Symposium 2014 in Las Vegas.
Julia Gavrilova, also a two-time Sitecore MVP, joins XCentium as a Sitecore Architect. Julia brings over 10 years of experience in delivering high-quality web applications and is an expert in Sitecore Print Experience Manager (PXM). Julia has also been a featured speaker at Sitecore Symposium, where she presented on creating dynamic brochures with Sitecore PXM.
Additionally, Pete Navarra joins XCentium’s East Coast team as a Technical Director. Pete has over 18 years of experience in web development and has worked across multiple industries, including restaurant, retail, healthcare, and Sitecore. For the past 8 years, he has contributed to the success of Sitecore web development, implementing solutions for both small non-profits and Fortune 50 companies. Pete is known for his leadership skills and his ability to bring out the best in teams and processes.
Looking Ahead
With a growing team of experts in both R&D and site development, XCentium is poised for continued success in creating innovative, cutting-edge digital solutions. The strategic hires and the formalization of the R&D division are key milestones in the company’s plan to expand its product offerings and enhance its service capabilities for both current and future clients.
About XCentium
XCentium is a full-service digital consultancy that helps businesses solve complex problems and create innovative digital experiences. Specializing in platforms like Sitecore and Insite Commerce, XCentium offers expertise in software development, user experience design, and digital strategy to deliver exceptional results for clients across various industries.