DICOM Group plc Announces Appointment Of New CEO
DICOM Group plc ("DICOM Group"), a global leader of Information Capture and Communications solutions, announces the appointment of Robert E. Klatell, a US Citizen, as Chief Executive Officer. Rob succeeds Arnold von Büren, current CEO, with effect from March 1, 2006 following Arnold's decision to pursue opportunities outside the Group.
With the appointment of Rob, the Board is confident that it has found a CEO who provides the necessary experience, leadership and energy to take the business on to the next stage of its growth. Rob and Arnold will start working together immediately to ensure a smooth handover of the business.
Rob (aged 59), was previously Executive Vice President and a Board member of Arrow Electronics, Inc., the NYSE listed global provider of solutions to the IT industry, where he had worked for the previous 25 years. He was a key part of the successful management team which led Arrow from its position as a small, regional distributor to become the recognised global leader in its industry - a Fortune 500 company with over 11,000 employees worldwide and annual sales in excess of billion.
Rob is also a Non-Executive member of the Boards of Directors of Datascope Corp., Mediagrif Interactive Technologies Inc. and TTM Technologies Inc. As CEO of DICOM Group he will significantly reduce his other Non-Executive Board member commitments.
Otto Schmid, Chairman, commented: "We are excited about Rob's appointment and welcome him to the Board. His experience and success in growing an international business in the IT industry, integrating different cultures and providing joint vision will be very valuable to us."
"Arnold von Büren has been instrumental in building DICOM Group to a significant international presence. As CEO he has been the driving force behind the acquisitions of three technology companies: Mohomine in San Diego, Neurascript in Cambridge (UK) and Topcall in Vienna. These acquisitions allowed us to build an outstanding range of products to enable Business Process Automation, the core focus of the Group."
"I thank Arnold for his outstanding contribution to DICOM Group over the last 12 years and the Board wish him all the best in his new professional career."
Arnold von Büren said, "I am very fortunate that I have been able to contribute to the direction and growth of DICOM Group for the past twelve years. It has been a hugely rewarding experience. For personal and professional reasons I have now decided to look for new challenges outside the Group."
Rob Klatell said, "DICOM Group is an industry leading company, and I greatly look forward to the prospect of working with its seasoned management team during the next phase of its growth".
About DICOM Group plc
DICOM Group plc ("DICOM Group", London Stock Exchange: DCM) is a global leader of Information Capture and Communications solutions. Its leading edge capture and communication technologies and solutions enable Business Process Automation by managing the transformation and exchange of business-critical information (residing in various formats such as paper, fax, electronic documents, e-mail, SMS) among people, applications and devices. The company's centres for product development and marketing include Kofax, the world's leading provider of Information Capture solutions, and Topcall, a worldwide provider of Unified Communication technology. Through a global network of more than 1,200 authorised partners and its own sales and service organisations in Europe, the USA, Asia and Australia, DICOM Group help blue-chip enterprises in more than 60 countries to reduce cost, increase efficiency and minimise risk in their critical business processes. For more information, visit www.dicomgroup.com.