Pico, a leading provider of mission critical technology, data and analytic services for the financial markets community, today announced the appointment of Donald Shassian to its Board of Managers and Chair of the Audit Committee, effective December 10, 2021. The appointment strengthens Pico’s Board and financial reporting expertise as it prepares to become a public company.

Mr. Shassian is a seasoned finance executive specializing in the telecom and media industries. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of OUTFRONT Media (NYSE: OUT), one of the largest out-of-home media companies in North America. He has also held the CFO role at three telecom firms: Frontier Communications, RSL Communications, and Southern New England Telecommunications Corporation. Prior to his CFO roles, he was a partner at Arthur Andersen.

Mr. Shassian is currently a board member at Seaborn Networks and Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Previously, he served on the boards of UIL Holdings Company and Lightower Holdings – a Berkshire Partners portfolio company – and was Chair of the Audit Committee for both companies. He holds a BS in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting from Bucknell University.

“We are excited to welcome Don to our Board of Managers,” said Jarrod Yuster, Chairman, Founder & Co-CEO at Pico. “Don will be a tremendous asset to our Board as we transition to life as a public company.”

“As a longtime finance executive, board member within the telecom industry, and as Chair of our Audit Committee, Don’s counsel and unmatched integrity will ensure that we operate with fiscal discipline and transparency and provide reliable reporting for our shareholders. We are privileged to have someone of Don’s pedigree overseeing this very important function.”

“It’s an honor to join Pico’s Board of Managers,” said Shassian, “I look forward to being a part of the transformation in financial markets technology as Pico continues its incremental growth in a rapidly evolving market.”

Pico/Athena
On August 4, 2021, Pico announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with FTAC Athena Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: FTAA), a special purpose acquisition company. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will operate as Pico. The transaction reflects a pro forma enterprise value for the combined company of approximately $1.4 billion. The business combination, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of both Pico and FTAC Athena, is targeted to close in early 2022, subject to stockholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.