DUEBENDORF-ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan. 16, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Esmertec(tm) (SWX:ESMN), a leading edge provider of software platforms, applications and services to communications device manufacturers and mobile telecom operators, today announced that its Board of Directors and executive management team have concluded their strategy review process and announced an efficient, new organizational structure better geared to serve existing and emerging product and solution business target customers and markets. The adjusted market driven organizational structure will be fully operational by the end of the first quarter 2008.
Esmertec will be organized along two business units -- Mobile and Multimedia Devices Unit and Mobile Operator Products and Customized Solutions Unit -- with Executive Vice Presidents leading the business units and a CTO office driving product platform development and innovation. These units will be supported by a lean back office operation that will provide centralized head office services. The new organizational structure with its business units allows Esmertec to be closer to its customers and accelerate innovation. In addition to this, enhanced cost effectiveness in combination with short decision cycles will be achieved. These advantages will enable Esmertec to extend the leading edge customer solutions the company is delivering to its core markets.
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Burke as EVP of the Mobile and Multimedia Device Unit effective January 1st, 2008. Joe will be responsible for extending the growth Esmertec has enjoyed in the mobile and multimedia markets within the past 12 months. He has an impressive background in developing business in an international environment, having previously worked for the Deutsche Telekom Group in Asia. Joe Burke has worked with Esmertec since January 2006.
Jean-Luc Gianduzzo, formerly Executive Vice President Global Services, is appointed as EVP of the Mobile Operator Products and Customized Solutions Unit. He will be responsible to drive the worldwide expansion of Esmertec's businesses with Mobile Operators and bring the company's service capability to develop customized solutions for mobile market players to the next level. Since he joined the company in June 2006, Jean-Luc has demonstrated remarkable leadership to streamline and grow profitably in the service business and enable Esmertec's growth in product licenses.
The Board regrets to announce that after having successfully supported the strategy review process, as well as significantly contributed to the closing 2007, Michel Kuntz, Executive Vice President Sales, has decided to pursue new opportunities outside Esmertec.
Esmertec's new executive senior management team consists of: CEO Thomas Hornung, CFO Konrad Hurni, EVP Joe Burke, EVP Jean-Luc Gianduzzo, CTO Patrick Remy and General Counsel Sylvie Vollet.
Thomas Hornung states: "With the appointment of Joe, we have found an inspiring leader for our Mobile and Multimedia Devices Unit. He has an in-depth knowledge of our industry and our customers in the Java- and in the emerging consumer electronics market. Joe already significantly contributed to Esmertec's fast growth in the Asian market. Jean-Luc has been a key player in Esmertec's turnaround. He has proven to win and deploy tier one operator solutions as well as driving the successful implementation of the Open Handset Alliance solution of Esmertec opening up new markets for us."
About Esmertec
Esmertec is a focused provider of software and services to communications device manufacturers and mobile telecom operators. The company provides software platforms that enable the deployment of content and applications in devices and over servers. Customers include mobile telecom operators and manufacturers of mobile handsets, set-top boxes and interactive televisions. Esmertec's software and service capabilities excel with their reliability as well as fast and local execution. Founded in 1999, Esmertec is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland with subsidiaries in China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the USA, and offices in Taiwan and the UK. Since 2005, Esmertec is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange (ESMN). Esmertec is a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance.
Esmertec and Jbed are trademarks of Esmertec AG. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks of their respective owners.