Douglas Merrill

Douglas Merrill, a visionary American technologist and fintech entrepreneur, has left an indelible mark on the intersection of technology, finance, and innovation. Born and raised in Arkansas, Merrill embarked on an intellectual journey that led him to the University of Tulsa, where he majored in social and political organization. His academic pursuits continued at Princeton University, where he earned master’s and doctoral degrees in cognitive science, demonstrating a keen interest in the evolving landscape of human cognition.

A pivotal moment in Merrill’s career occurred during his tenure as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Google from 2003 to 2008. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping Google’s technological landscape during its transformative years. Following this, Merrill took on the role of President of EMI Music’s digital unit from 2008 to 2009, showcasing his adaptability in navigating the dynamic realms of technology and entertainment.

In 2011, Merrill founded Zest AI (formerly Zest Finance), a Los Angeles-based financial services technology company. As the CEO, he steered the company to prominence by leveraging machine learning and data science to enhance the precision of credit decisions. Under his guidance, Zest AI secured significant funding, including a $19 million Series A round in July 2011 and a $28 million Series B round in January 2012. The company gained recognition as one of Forbes’ Names You Need to Know in 2011 and was included in the Forbes Fintech 50 in 2015 and 2016.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Merrill is a respected contributor to business publications such as Fast Company and Forbes, where he shares insights on innovation and culture. His multifaceted journey, from the heartland of Arkansas to the forefront of Silicon Valley, underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and reshaping the financial landscape.