
“Rick Melcher exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and dedication and it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with him. I don't know anyone better at working with customers to understand what they need, and his thoughtful guidance and support were essential to our success.”
Nell Minow, Founder and Board member
GMI Ratings
GMI Ratings
Competitive Analysis, Strategic Positioning, Market Development
Background
GMI Ratings (GMI) was the leading independent source of environmental, social, and corporate governance data, research, and analysis when it was acquired by MSCI, Inc. in 2014. Founded in 2000, GMI Ratings, formerly The Corporate Library, was a start-up company creating a new global market for ESG investment research – developing data and analytics, building awareness, and driving sales.
Our Work
Beginning in the fall of 2000, Melcher+Tucker Consultants undertook a broad marketing alliance with GMI Ratings. Working with the company leadership as an integral part of the initial planning team, we carried out competitive market research and product testing, and initiated business development. During a 13-year engagement, from data base product launch through two mergers, we identified and segmented market opportunities, developed pricing models, participated in strategic planning, and took a leadership role in generating revenue from sales of access to GMI Ratings’ databases.
Results
GMI Ratings’ acquisition by MSCI was recognition of the company’s record for delivering timely, innovative and useful data resources to identify material ESG risk. MTC’s marketing and sales efforts helped open new opportunities for sales to investors, consultants, insurers, and companies, while focused customer service sustained and grew GMI Ratings. MTC supported the firm throughout its lifecycle, helping it to move beyond a critical time of transition and integration into one of the leading global sustainable investment research firms.