Tech Titan Takes Helm at Renaissance to Drive AI in Education

By Jack Patterson

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – January 14, 2026 – Renaissance, a global giant in pre-K–12 education technology, has appointed transformational technology executive Gerri Martin-Flickinger as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. The move signals a strategic intensification of the company's focus on artificial intelligence and large-scale digital innovation, aiming to reshape the future of learning for millions of students worldwide.

Martin-Flickinger brings a formidable reputation forged in the crucibles of Silicon Valley and global consumer brands. Her appointment is seen by industry analysts as a deliberate move by Renaissance and its private equity backers, Francisco Partners and Blackstone, to accelerate the company's technological evolution and solidify its leadership in a fiercely competitive edtech market.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gerri to our Board," said Chris Bauleke, Chief Executive Officer at Renaissance, in a statement. "Her leadership in using technology and AI to create customer-centric solutions will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and scale to meet the evolving needs of educators and students."

A Legacy of Digital Transformation

Martin-Flickinger’s career is a highlight reel of leading legacy companies through seismic technological shifts. Most recently, as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Starbucks from 2015 to 2021, she was the architect behind the coffee giant’s evolution into a digital-first powerhouse. She spearheaded the global rollout of its now-ubiquitous mobile ordering and payment systems and developed a sophisticated delivery network.

Crucially for her new role at Renaissance, she championed the integration of AI and machine learning at Starbucks. This included the creation of "Deep Brew," a personalization engine that leverages data to enhance the customer experience, and the modernization of core business platforms for supply chain and store operations. Her philosophy was to use technology not to replace, but to "amplify the human connection."

Prior to Starbucks, she served as Chief Information Officer at Adobe, where she was a key figure in the company’s dramatic and highly successful transition from selling boxed software to a cloud-based subscription model—a move that redefined the software industry. Her earlier career included CIO roles at Verisign and McAfee, establishing her credentials in navigating complex, high-stakes technology environments. This extensive experience in scaling digital platforms and embedding AI into core business strategy is precisely what Renaissance is betting on to chart its next chapter.

The Private Equity Playbook in Edtech

The appointment is also a clear reflection of the strategic vision of Renaissance's owners. Francisco Partners, a tech-focused private equity firm, acquired Renaissance in 2018 and was later joined by Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager, which made a significant growth investment in 2021. Both firms specialize in identifying tech-enabled businesses and infusing them with capital and top-tier talent to drive aggressive growth.

Installing a high-profile technology leader like Martin-Flickinger is a classic private equity maneuver designed to unlock value by accelerating innovation and expanding market share. Her concurrent roles as Board Chair for higher-education software leader Ellucian—another Blackstone portfolio company—and as a board member at Charles Schwab underscore her status as a trusted advisor for technology-driven growth. This move signals that Renaissance's backers are preparing the company for a period of intense product development and potential market consolidation, leveraging advanced technology as the primary engine.

AI at the Head of the Class

Martin-Flickinger joins Renaissance at a pivotal moment for AI in education. The edtech sector is rapidly moving beyond basic digitization toward sophisticated, AI-powered personalization. Renaissance has already laid groundwork with its "Renaissance Next" platform, an integrated ecosystem designed to give teachers real-time, data-driven recommendations by synthesizing insights from its assessment and practice tools like Star Assessments and Freckle.

Her expertise in developing customer-centric AI systems like Starbucks' "Deep Brew" is directly applicable to Renaissance's mission to "See Every Student." The challenge is to scale these personalized learning experiences across a platform used in over 110 countries, while navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. With dozens of U.S. states and the European Union establishing new rules for AI in schools, experienced leadership is critical to ensure that innovation proceeds ethically and effectively, addressing concerns around data privacy and algorithmic bias.

The competitive pressure is immense. Rivals like Carnegie Learning and international players like Squirrel AI are also heavily investing in adaptive learning technologies. Martin-Flickinger's proven ability to execute large-scale digital transformations in competitive industries will be essential for Renaissance to not only keep pace but to define the next generation of AI-enabled educational tools.

"I'm honored to join Renaissance's Board of Directors and support its mission to accelerate learning for all," Martin-Flickinger stated. "Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I'm energized by the tremendous potential ahead. I look forward to helping guide Renaissance as it continues to innovate, drive growth, and elevate the experience for educators and students worldwide."