Key ExactTarget exec steps down

The man responsible for steering digital marketer ExactTarget Inc.’s own worldwide marketing efforts has left the Indianapolis software firm.

Tim Kopp, who began as chief marketing officer in 2008, stepped down in mid-December, he told IBJ on Monday.

Kopp left his post after coordinating all facets of marketing during some of the busiest years at one of Indianapolis’ largest software companies. During his tenure in ExactTarget’s executive suite, the company expanded its global reach, had a $161.5 million initial public offering and was acquired for $2.5 billion by Salesforce.com. The acquisition closed on July 12.

The Indianapolis-based company gave stock options to all 1,700 employees, from top executives through the rank-and-file, ensuring everyone would cash in on the company’s $2.5 billion buyout. Top executives such as Kopp were to reap stock option gains valued in the eight figures.

“It was an incredible 6-plus-year run for me. I enjoyed every moment of it. … It was time for me to go,” he said.

Today, Kopp plans to take time off from full-time work and spend more time with his family. He intends to dabble in startups and not-for-profits, he told IBJ.

Mass Relevance, a branding agency in Austin, Texas, announced Monday it recruited Kopp as a board adviser, which will be a part-time role.

Other plans include angel investing and possibly serving as an adviser for other companies or a mentor for entrepreneurs. Two local not-for-profits, Shepherd Community Center and City Mosaic, have piqued his interest, he said.

An ExactTarget spokesman was not immediately available for comment Monday morning. On Dec. 14, CEO Scott Dorsey tweeted, "Thanks @tbkopp – you are a world-class person, leader and friend. Huge thanks for your leadership and enormous contributions!"