KUALA LUMPUR: The UZMA Group has appointed Khong Kheng Ting as its new chief operating officer (COO) effective Feb 1, 2012.

In a statement here today, it said that the appointment was in line with the group's aggressive business growth strategy in the oil and gas industry.

Khong, who is currently the Director of the Society of Petroleum
Engineers Kuala Lumpur Chapter, has 23 years' experience in the upstream oil and gas service industry. - Bernama

Electus Appoints Veteran Television Executive Bruce Seidel as CEO of Electus' New Food-Centric YouTube Channel

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2012 --  /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today announced that former Senior Vice President of Programming for Cooking Channel, Bruce Seidel, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Electus' new food-centric YouTube channel, slated to officially launch in July 2012. Seidel began his post as CEO on January 23rd, where he is responsible for running the channel, including leading all creative, programming, scheduling, production, and marketing, as well as interfacing with advertising clients. Seidel will report directly to Electus COO and Head of Digital, Drew Buckley.

With more than fifteen years of creating and scheduling programming for leading food television networks, including Food Network, Cooking Channel and Animal Planet, Seidel will apply his expertise of creating top-rated, compelling food-based original content to the Web, with Electus' yet-to-be-named, food-centric YouTube channel.

"Bruce Seidel's life-long talent and passion for food, cooking and entertainment, combined with his outstanding work rebranding the Food Network and launching Cooking Channel, both online and offline, was a driving force behind our decision to ask him to lead this charge," said Ben Silverman, Chairman and Founder of Electus. "Bruce is uniquely qualified to build and popularize our slate of food programming in a way that hasn't been done on the Web."

"Great talent moves like this exemplify the relentless commitment by our partners and the overall velocity of the online video space," said Robert Kyncl, Global Head of Content for YouTube. "We look forward to collaborating with Bruce and the entire Electus team in the months ahead."

Conceptualized in partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world's leading entertainment and sports agency, Electus' food-centric YouTube channel combines the food television leadership of Seidel with the online and mobile audience and bandwidth of leading foodie site Urbanspoon, to create the perfect blend of strong characters and unique personalities with real, helpful and most importantly, highly entertaining tidbits on everything food.  The participating chefs will create amazing, accessible dishes, in ways never seen before, and will explore the world of food for a new generation of passionate food fanatics. CAA will access its extensive resources to create unique programming opportunities on behalf of the channel.

"Electus is at the forefront of creating cutting-edge programming for all platforms including the web, and I am so pleased to join their team and lead this exciting new initiative," said Bruce Seidel, CEO of Electus' food-centric YouTube channel. "It is thrilling to invent a new digital television food model for a new generation, using the tried and true lessons of mainstream networks, while also being able to really push the boundaries."

Before joining Electus, Seidel held the position of Senior Vice President of Programming for Cooking Channel where he was responsible for leading program development, acquisitions, production and scheduling for the newest Scripps Networks Interactive network. Prior to his work at Cooking Channel, Seidel held the title of Senior Vice President of Program Planning and Special Productions at The Food Network where he developed and oversaw some of Food Network's top-rated programs, including The Next Food Network Star, Worst Cooks In America, Iron Chef America, The Next Iron Chef, the record-setting White House special Iron Chef America: Super Chef Battle and was responsible for importing the original Japanese version of Iron Chef. Seidel also brought in popular British culinary programs featuring national food stars Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. Seidel began his career at the William Morris Agency as an agent trainee in the television division, and then in development at HBO. He later went on to work at Animal Planet where he built co-productions with the BBC and oversaw program scheduling.  He was also with Discovery Communications where he served in the development and co-production areas for Discovery Channel Worldwide.

About Electus

Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman in partnership with IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus' programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers. For more information on Electus, visit www.electus.com.

New Delhi: Czech car maker Skoda on Monday named former Renault India Deputy MD and Chief Operating Officer Sudhir Rao as the Managing Director of its Indian arm.
    
In a statement, Skoda Auto India said Rao will assume charge from March 1.
    
"We are very pleased to be hiring Sudhir Rao as Managing Director (MD) for Skoda Auto India. He is a top automobile manager with many years of experience and an international background. He also knows the Indian market perfectly," Skoda Auto CEO Winfried Vahland said.
    
Rao quit Renault India earlier this month after playing a major role in establishing the French brand in India and also in setting up of the Renault-Nissan plant in Chennai at an investment of Rs 4,500 crore.
    
"Under his responsibility, Skoda Auto India will vigorously continue its successful evolution of the past ten years and further consolidate its good position," the company said.
     
The Indian market has great importance for Skoda's 2018 growth strategy under which it is aiming to raise worldwide sales to a minimum of 1.5 million per year.
    
In 2011, Skoda's sales in India increased almost by 50 percent to about 30,000 vehicles.

DENVER, Jan 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- P2 Energy Solutions, the largest independent software and services provider to the upstream oil and gas industry, announces Chad Martin as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Martin comes to P2 with more than 20 years' experience in leadership and financial roles. Most recently, Martin was President and CFO of Home Care Assistance, a non-medical home care business with offices in six states and franchised operations nationwide. Prior to that, he was CFO of Pacific Pulmonary Services, a home respiratory company with 120 locations in 20 states. Martin also spent 10 years in investment banking with Goldman, Sachs & Co., working in Mergers and Acquisitions and Technology, Media and Telecom Groups.

As Chief Financial Officer, Martin will have responsibility for the Finance, Accounting and Human Resources departments at P2. Martin replaces Andrew Hicks who has served as CFO since 2009, and has accepted a position with another Vista Equity Partners' portfolio company.

"Chad's leadership and financial background, particularly in M&A and Technology, will be a perfect complement to P2's strategic plan," said Charles Goodman, P2's President and COO. "From overseeing our financial health to ensuring we hire the best and brightest, Chad will be an instrumental part of our global growth."

"With the prospects for domestic oil and gas at an all-time high, I'm excited to take on this new challenge," Martin said. "P2 is a clear leader in the North American upstream software technology space, and I'm eager to help the company grow into a global leader as well."

Martin holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BBA from Texas Christian University.

About P2 Energy Solutions

P2 Energy Solutions is the only technology company that provides a comprehensive range of software, geospatial data, land management tools, and outsourcing, to the energy industry. More than 1,200 companies use P2 products and services daily to improve decision-making, gain clarity into complex workflow scenarios, and optimize upstream efficiency. P2 serves the entire energy sector -- including hydrocarbon-sourced, as well as alternative-sourced energy, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. With more than 80 years of experience in data and 30 years in software P2 operates from global headquarters in Denver, CO, has offices in eight additional locations, and employs nearly 700 people. For more information, visit www.p2energysolutions.com .

SOURCE: P2 Energy Solutions
        
        P2 Energy Solutions
        Diana Lovshe, 713-481-2000
        Marketing Director
        dlovshe@p2energysolutions.com

The Department of Communications officially commented on the SABC board’s proposed search for a new COO, as well as the SA Post Office board’s settlement with its outgoing CEO

The Department of Communications issued a statement today (30 January 2012) in which they say the Minister of Communications, Dina Pule, has requested that the SABC suspend its search for a new chief operating officer.

Pule also supports the South African Post Office’s speedy resolution of the dispute with its outgoing chief executive officer, Motshoanetsi Lefoka.

The full statement follows below:

    The Minister of Communications, Ms Dina Pule, became aware of the process that the SABC intended to follow to appoint a Chief Operating Officer for the broadcaster on Friday, 27 January 2012.

    The Minister immediately requested the Board to suspend the current search and to follow a normal and wider executive appointment process. After this engagement, Minister Pule is satisfied that the SABC board will handle all processes of appointments accordingly. The Minister remains committed to assisting the SABC to fill the vacant top posts as soon as possible.

    In addition, Minister Pule has also noted the stories about the settlement between the South African  Post Office (SAPO) and it’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Ms Motshoanetsi Lefoka.

    The Minister supports the SAPO board for finalising the dispute in a timely and professional manner. The details of the agreement between the SA Post Office and Ms Lefoka are subject to legal processes and guidelines . A public disclosure of the terms of the settlement at this stage would constitute a breach of this agreement.

    Minister Pule is committed to ensuring that all State-Owned Enterprises that report to the Department have stable leadership and  that are sustainable. She believes that this is the only way in which SOEs can provide the quality of service the South African citizens deserve.

MyBroadband’s Staff Writer is
directly plugged into the South
African Internet backbone, and
spits out press releases and
other news as he receives it. ...

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. announced that Rob Strain will be joining the company as chief operating officer (COO) effective March 2012. In light of the continued significant business growth and opportunity, this new position was created to place additional emphasis on the company's operational excellence and delivering on program commitments of the company. Strain will report directly to Ball Aerospace President and CEO, David L. Taylor.

"Rob Strain is a proven leader in the aerospace and defense industry," said Taylor. "He has a unique blend of experience in the private, public and academic sectors of this market, including the majority of the company's core markets - civil and defense space hardware and information. His outstanding record of managing programs and cultivating strong internal and external relationships allows Ball Aerospace to continue its tremendous growth trajectory and will infuse new energy in a dynamic environment."

Strain will oversee the company's operations, managing all four of its strategic business units: Civil and Operational Space; Tactical Solutions; National Defense, and Systems Engineering Solutions. He will also lead the support functions responsible for executing company programs, including engineering, program execution, mission assurance and information technology.

Mr. Strain currently serves as Director of NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center. His professional experience also includes leadership roles at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Axiom Corporation, Orbital Sciences Corporation, and Fairchild Space and Defense.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit www.ballaerospace.com .

Ball Corporation BLL -0.66% is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2011 sales of more than $8.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit http://www.ball.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at www.sec.gov . Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; political instability and sanctions; and changes in foreign exchange rates or tax rates. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the recent global recession and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding the U.S. government budget and debt limit; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.

SOURCE Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.

Segner Will Stay On to Ensure Smooth Transition

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Jan 30, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Dominium, a leading apartment development and management company, announced today that Property Management President and COO Jon Segner will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. He has agreed to stay on, however, while the company conducts a nationwide search for his replacement.

"Jon has brought great financial discipline to our organization and has standardized operations," said Paul Sween, co-managing partner. "This has allowed Dominium to grow exponentially."

Segner joined Dominium in 2001. Since that time the Property Management Group has grown from 13,000 units to 23,000 units and has expanded into new states and regions, including Georgia, California, Texas, Arizona and Florida.

Segner currently serves as the board chair for the Minnesota Multi Housing Association and serves on the boards of the National Multi Housing Council and Heartland Business Intelligence, LLC.

About Dominium Founded in 1972 by David Brierton and Jack Safar, Dominium is a Minneapolis-based owner, developer, and manager of apartment communities nationwide. With more than 20,000 owned and/or managed units at 200 sites in 21 states, Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects, and management expertise. For more information visit www.dominiumapartments.com.

       
        Media Contact:
        Sandi Scott
        Tel. 952-851-7216
        Email: sscott@tunheim.com

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jan 30, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Andover Mining Corp. ("Andover" or the "Company")     CA:AOX  +7.14%  AOVTF  -5.66% (frankfurt:R2X), announced today that Mr. Kent Turner has been appointed as the Company's Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), effective immediately.

Mr. Turner received his Bachelor's degree in Geology and Geophysics from Yale University and his Master's degree in Economic Geology from the University of Arizona. He is a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists and a member of the Alaska Miners Associations and the Northwest Mining Association.

Mr. Turner has been actively involved in all phases of the mineral exploration business for more than 30 years. Mr. Turner spent much of his professional career with Cominco American (Teck Resources Ltd.).

Mr. Turner has worked on many successful exploration and development projects. These include making significant contributions to the discovery and development of several major gold, copper and zinc deposits. Examples include the Paalaaq and Anarraq zinc-lead deposits in the Red Dog District, (Alaska), the Pebble Copper deposit (Alaska), Kinsley gold deposit (Nevada), Pogo gold deposit (Alaska), Summitville gold deposit (Colorado) and the Jerrit Canyon gold deposits (Nevada).

Gordon Blankstein, Andover's Chairman and CEO, commented, "The addition of Kent to our senior management team, with his experience from years of working for Cominco American on projects in Alaska like the Red Dog Mine, the Pebble Copper project and the Pogo Gold Mine will certainly help accelerate our efforts in Alaska. One of his roles as COO will be to continue to augment and build our management team, utilizing his vast knowledge and contacts. We are excited to have him join Andover."

Mr. Turner will join Andover's senior management team that includes Mr. Brad Peek, General Manager for Andover's Ambler District SUN Project in Alaska, and Mr. Mike Carter, General Manager of Chief Consolidated Mining Company's East Tintic Mining District in Utah.

About Andover:

Andover Mining Corp. is a precious and base metal exploration and development company, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Andover's holdings are located in the polymetallic rich Ambler Mining District, Alaska, USA and the historic East Tintic Mining District, Utah, USA.

For further information we invite you to visit us at www.andovermining.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Gordon Blankstein, CEO and Chairman

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

       
        Contacts:
        Andover Mining Corp.
        Richard Martens
        Investor Relations
        1-604-682-2168 or Int'l Toll Free: 1-800-266-4484
 
www.andovermining.com 

CINCINNATI, Jan 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Duro Bag Manufacturing Co. today announced that Kevin P. Hart is the new President and COO of the company's largest division, Duro Standard Products Co.

Duro Bag is the world's largest manufacturer of paper bags and luxury paper bags for retailers, foodservice, grocery and wholesaler-distributors.

Hart is a 30-year veteran with significant experience in senior leadership positions with two prominent packaging companies, Pactiv Corporation (formerly Tenneco Packaging and Mobil Chemical) and WNA, Inc. His career specialization is in the foodservice, institutional, grocery, and consumer packaging markets. At Duro Standard Products, Hart will have top responsibility for all aspects of the company's operations, sales and marketing.

"Kevin's business success, operations expertise and detailed knowledge of our customer markets make him the right choice to lead Duro Standard Products," said Charles Shor, President and CEO of Duro Bag Manufacturing Co.

"Duro Bag has earned a top market leadership position in the paper bag business," said Hart. "The company has an intense focus on customer needs, product quality and a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. It has dedicated, hard-working employees. Together, we're going to ensure we meet the evolving product and supply-chain needs of our customers."

Most recently, Hart served for eight years as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for WNA, Inc., a large manufacturer and marketer of upscale disposable tableware based in Covington, KY.

Hart began his business career in 1982 when he joined Mobil Chemical as a Sales Representative. He progressed through a number of sales and marketing positions to become Mobil Chemical's National Sales Manager for Institutional Products. After Tenneco Packaging purchased Mobil Chemical's Plastic Packaging Division, Hart continued to progress to jobs of increased responsibility. When Tenneco Packaging was spun off to become Pactiv, Hart became Pactiv's Vice President of Sales for Foodservice, Institutional, and Supermarket Packaging in 2000, where he was responsible for $1.1 billion in sales.

Hart also brings significant operational experience as a result of 30 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, both on active duty and in the reserves, retiring as a Colonel in 2005. His last six years were spent at the Pentagon, first on the Joint Staff for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and then as Assistant Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He also served as President of the Marine Corps Reserve Association from 2002 to 2005.

Hart is a 1975 graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. In 2008, he obtained his MBA from the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Hart and his family live in the greater Cincinnati area.

About Duro Bag Manufacturing Company

Duro Bag is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of high-quality paper bags for retailers, foodservice, grocery, mass-merchandise and wholesale/distribution companies in North America. Multi-generation, family-owned Duro Bag produces more than 25 billion bags annually at eight manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and in Mexico, employing more than 2,500 people.

Based in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, Duro Bag develops, manufactures and markets the widest selection of environmentally friendly, durable, multi-use paper bags and packaging and world-class graphics solutions, enabling Duro customers to effectively and efficiently get their brand images and messaging into the hands of millions of consumers every day. Through its Duro Standard Products and Duro Specialty Products divisions, the company works with customers to identify new trends, pioneer new markets and deliver innovative brand building solutions together with on-time fulfillment and logistics support.

* The Duro Standard Products division supports its customers with leading go-to-market, customer-branded bags in grocery, grocery handle bags, merchandise, paper lawn and leaf bags as well as specialty bags including lunch, pharmacy, liquor bags, Freshness Paper(TM) bread bags, foodservice bags and much more.

* The Duro Specialty Products division custom develops and produces the broadest range of value and luxury shopping bags that display major retailers' brand images and messages. Its unique, full-service solutions include concept, design, vivid graphics and specialty converting.

Duro Bag offers the widest selection of environmentally responsible and sustainable coated and uncoated papers made with Forest Stewardship Council(TM) (FSC)-certified pre- and post-consumer waste fibers, including 100% post-consumer waste and process-chlorine free papers in thousands of colors and textures.

Duro Bag has a strong 50-year record and commitment to environmental leadership by reducing and re-using waste at its manufacturing operations, achieving net reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, reducing its carbon footprint and working with customers to improve sustainability in their products and supply chains.

SOURCE: Duro Bag Manufacturing Co.

       
        Duro Bag
        Christopher Klein, 800-879-3876

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced this morning that Banking and Insurance Department Commissioner Tom Considine will leave his post next month.

Considine, who became the Garden State’s top insurance and financial regulator in March 2010, plans to return to work in the private sector. He will become the new chief operating officer of MagnaCare, a health plan management company, in March. Also at his news conference in Trenton, N.J., this morning, Gov. Christie nominated Ken Kobylowski to succeed Commissioner Considine. Kobylowski has been serving as chief of staff to Considine since 2010.

Rumors have circulated for months that Considine would be leaving his post, following the departure of a number of other cabinet members.

Considine is credited with leading the department’s effort to reduce regulatory red tape and simplify the application procedures for new carriers entering the state and lower the new product approval times. He has also spearheaded the department’s captive insurance initiative. According to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, some 60 new insurers have been admitted and new business lines to more than 64 companies have been extended during Considine’s two-year tenure.

At the national level, Considine has been leading the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Reinsurance Task Fore to reform the collateral requirements for non-U.S. reinsurers. The new model law was adopted by the NAIC last November.
PIP Reform Still Resolved

One major reform initiative remained unfinished, however. The department’s effort to reform personal injury protection insurance is still ongoing. The department’s 200-page-plus proposed changes aim to close loopholes that are being exploited by some providers, and cap PIP expenses and control the rising medical costs that insurers pay for auto accident victims. The department has recently amended some 25 percent of its PIP rule proposals, after reviewing and incorporating recommendations from more than 18,000 public comment letters it received last year. The new, amended portions of the proposals will be published for another, 60-day public comment period starting Feb. 21.

Considine was a vice president with MetLife legal affairs prior to serving as commissioner. He had been with MetLife for 17 years. Prior to joining MetLife, Considine served as a litigation associate at Connell, Foley and Geiser, a major New Jersey law firm.

Tom Considine

Customer premise equipment vendor SMC Networks announced this morning that Joseph Wytanis is its new chief operating officer and executive vice president. Wytanis reports to CEO Alex Kim.

"Joe has proven his leadership and expertise with an impressive career that has spanned over 25 years at some of the world's largest equipment providers," Kim said. "I am thrilled he is joining SMC Networks to lead the company's next phase of growth. I look forward to his contributions as a key member of our management team."

Wytanis has held various senior level positions with companies such as Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco, Northern Telecom, AT&T, and Panasonic. At Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco, he was a founder, vice president and general manager of the Cable Home Networking Business Unit. Under his leadership, Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco's cable home network consumer device business grew from a start-up to over 40 million units shipped worldwide and over $275M in annual revenue.

SMC Networks is headquartered in Irvine, California. An approved vendor to 12 of the top 14 cable operators in North America, SMC designs products for both commercial and residential applications.

Missey Cushing, COO of the Naveja Noga Corp firm, recommends entry level employment in the developing Asian economies industry immediately after university studies in order to get a good taste of how the business operates

“Don’t forget to talk about vacation time, which is an essential component of any developing Asian economies industry interview,” says Dorie Gebers, HR director of Bouillion Foskey Brothers Firm, “If you want to make a big paycheck realize that you’ll have a more stressful life. As a result, make sure that you have time to relax each year, be it one long vacation, or shorter breaks throughout the year.” Then, after about 5-6 years of successful performance in the developing Asian economies business, one can expect a major promotion to the management level. “I worked for just over five years in marketing,” reports Hurd Castleton, “and then was promoted to Senior Sales associate. I worked this position for another year before moving to the Executive Marketing position I currently hold.” Rviz Elias, author if the best selling essay ‘How to make a buck in the developing Asian economies market’ suggests asking for as much monetary compensation as possible during the interview stage. “Look, if they can get you for less, they will offer you less. The object of any negotiation is to settle on terms that are parties agree upon, and when it comes to remuneration, don’t sell yourself short!” “Kiley Niedzielski, an developing Asian economies industry veteran was our top choice for Vice President of Sales and Marketing,” said Kitzmiller Lebowitz, CEO of Brickel Ridens INC., “and we recruited heavily for this position. Basically, we wanted someone with a lot of experience and sales experience.” Kohls Engquist, who just finished university with a degree in the developing Asian economies field, is looking to get involved on the ground floor. Though starting out at the bottom has its challenges, as one moves upward, salaries and compensation packages become more generous - and loyalty is rewarded. Other HR diretors, like Tobia Lesane of the Ahart Markegard and Eugene Merryweather Firm, suggest intensive interview practice sessions, where a friend or developing Asian economies industry mentor poses standard interview questions. “Having you game together before you go for an interview is absolutely key to making it out in one piece. If your top choice is Company A, do some practice interviews at Companies B and C before attempting your top job choice,” replies Steenrod Stuczynski, HR and Hiring director. Iesha Evensen, a developing Asian economies industry veteran salesperson, suggests starting as a sales associate before moving upward into the Executive developing Asian economies sales division. Iesha Evensen believes taking on too much too soon will be counterproductive: “I’ve seen many hot shots try to hit home runs with little experience without learning to simply get base hits and doubles first. Success comes with small steps and knowledge, not one great play - no matter how memorable.” On average, most entry level positions in the developing Asian economies market are competitive, with only about 5-10% of all applicants accepted. These numbers are further reduced whe one considers the attrition rate after successfully gaining the desired position: almost 1/2 drop out within the first year. Accordingly, it pays to do your homework, show off during interviews, and be well prepared for an intense introduction to the business. Also, when taking your first developing Asian economies company interview, remember to give an honest representation of yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. “No one, not even the top guy, is perfect,” quips Lanora Eckstein, “so as a result, when we interview people, we try to find out how their strengths and weaknesses can compliment our current team.”

NEW YORK, Jan 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- E*TRADE Financial Corporation ETFC -0.12% today announced that its Board of Directors named Frank J. Petrilli, an experienced financial services leader, as the Company's Chairman of the Board effective January 27, 2012. Steven Freiberg, Chief Executive Officer of E*TRADE Financial, has held the role on an interim basis since the departure of Robert Druskin in May 2011. Mr. Petrilli was also appointed to the Company's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Freiberg will remain on the Board and in his position as the Company's CEO.

"A seasoned veteran and well-recognized leader in our industry, Frank's experience makes him an ideal addition to our Board. In addition to his in-depth understanding of both securities brokerage and consumer banking businesses, Frank has a proven record of leading successful growth in the retail investing segment," said Steven Freiberg. "With the financial foundation of our Company strengthened and our focus on growing the core brokerage franchise at the forefront of our efforts, I am confident that Frank's experience and leadership will be a significant advantage to the Board and to the Company as we continue to execute on our strategic plans."

Mr. Petrilli, 61, has over 30 years' experience in investing and financial services. Most recently, he was Chief Executive Officer of Surge Trading, Inc. and previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexxar Group, Inc. From 1995 to 2004 he held several positions at TD Waterhouse, during that period a US subsidiary of TD Bank Group, including President and CEO. During his tenure, he was responsible for the firm's strategic development and growth, as well as numerous innovations including the launch of online investing and the formation of TD Waterhouse Bank. Prior to TD Waterhouse, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of American Express Centurion Bank. Mr. Petrilli has served on various non-profit Boards, including the American Red Cross in Greater New York, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, and Fordham University. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Fordham College of Business, an M.B.A. from Fordham Graduate School of Business and he received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1986.

About E*TRADE Financial

The E*TRADE Financial family of companies provides financial services including online brokerage and related banking products and services to retail investors. Specific business segments include Trading and Investing and Balance Sheet Management. Securities products and services are offered by E*TRADE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC). Bank products and services are offered by E*TRADE Bank, a Federal savings bank, Member FDIC, or its subsidiaries. More information is available at www.etrade.com .

Important Notices

E*TRADE Financial, E*TRADE and the E*TRADE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of E*TRADE Financial Corporation. ETFC-G

(C) 2012 E*TRADE Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: E*TRADE Financial Corporation

       
        E*TRADE Financial
        Media Relations:
        Lea Stendahl, 646-521-4418
        lea.stendahl@etrade.com
        or
        Investor Relations:
        Brett Goodman, 646-521-4406
        brett.goodman@etrade.com

Teri Everett is leaving as  News Corporation's top public relations executive, the company said on Monday.

She will be replaced by Julie Henderson, who is being elevated to senior vice president, corporate affairs and chief communications officer. 

Saying she is "ready for something new," Everett will exit the company on February 10. She did not elaborate on her destination.

Also read: News Corp. Expands Julie Henderson's Domain

"I am immensely grateful to Teri for leading our communications efforts so adeptly in recent years," Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive officer of News Corporation, said in a statement. "During her more than 10 years with News Corporation, Teri gained not only the trust and respect of all who worked with her -- but my great appreciation as well. She has been one of our most effective and well-liked executives. I respect her decision and wish her sincere good luck in her next endeavors."

Henderson's new post will include oversight of the company's global communications, corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Everett joined the company in 2000 as vice president of corporate communications, spearheading News Corporation's Los Angeles communications initiatives. Over the succeeding decade, she expanded her portfolio of responsibilities to include corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility, ultimately running the company's global corporate affairs and communications efforts from December 2009.

Prior to joining the corporate office, Henderson served as senior vice president, corporate communications for the company's former Fox Interactive Media (FIM) unit. She previously ran the digital division at mPRm Public Relations, where she focused on providing counsel to companies at the convergence of entertainment and technology.

Henderson will divide her time between Los Angeles and New York, but will remain primarily based in Los Angeles. She will report to President and Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey.

SMC Networks Names Joseph L. Wytanis Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

IRVINE, Calif., Jan 30, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SMC Networks announced today that Joseph L. Wytanis has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Wytanis will report to Mr. Alex Kim, CEO of SMC Networks.

"Joe has proven his leadership and expertise with an impressive career that has spanned over 25 years at some of the world's largest equipment providers," Mr. Kim said. "I am thrilled he is joining SMC Networks to lead the company's next phase of growth. I look forward to his contributions as a key member of our management team."

Mr. Wytanis has held various senior level positions with companies such as Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco, Northern Telecom, AT&T, and Panasonic. At Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco, he was a founder, Vice President and General Manager of the Cable Home Networking Business Unit. Under his leadership, Scientific-Atlanta/Cisco's cable home network consumer device business grew from a start-up to over 40 million units shipped worldwide and over $275M in annual revenue.

"SMC partners with Service Provider customers in a way that ensures development of innovative new product solutions, provides value through increased ARPU and/or reduction in CAPEX/OPEX, and addresses Service Provider end-user customer evolving needs." Mr. Wytanis added, "Our goal is to help our customers accelerate their growth in Broadband Gateway, as well as Home Security and Home Automation markets."

Mr. Wytanis earned a B.S. in Marketing from Rowan University and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business.

About SMC Networks

SMC Networks is headquartered in Irvine, California. SMC is a specialist in providing high-quality, reliable gateway and home security customer premise equipment to Service Providers. An approved vendor to 12 of the top 14 cable operators in North America, SMC designs products for both commercial and residential applications. SMC focuses on delivering an unparalleled range of innovative wireless and wired solutions that drive revenue, are highly reliable, and require minimal support. More information on SMC Networks is available at http://www.smc.com .

SOURCE: SMC Networks
        
        SMC Networks
        Michael Jablon, (949) 679-8243
        mike.jablon@smc.com

MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwire) -- 01/30/12 -- Hartco Inc. (TSX:HCI) today announced the appointment of Harold Gervais to the position of Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), effective immediately.

"We are delighted to welcome Harold Gervais as CFO of Hartco and we look forward to his active participation in shaping the company's strategy." stated Patrick Waid, Hartco's president and chief operating officer. "Harold's extensive business experience will be extremely valuable as we strive to improve Hartco's operational performance."

About Hartco Inc.

Hartco Inc. (TSX:HCI) has been a leader in the Canadian information technology business for more than thirty years. Through its operating divisions, which together include 50 locations across Canada, Hartco Inc. delivers information technology solutions to private and public sector organizations of every size. For more information, please visit www.hartco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information. Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this document are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks include, among others, changes in customer demand for information technology products or services, changes in supplier pricing actions or terms, customer orders, pricing actions by competitors, changes in laws and regulations and general changes in economic conditions. Risks that could cause our results to differ materially from our expectations are discussed in our Annual Management's Discussion & Analysis.

Contacts:
Patrick Waid
President and Chief Operating Officer
Hartco Inc.
514-354-3810
pwaid@hartco.com
www.hartco.com

ITC Global, Inc. Appoints Steven M. Barto Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

ST PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- ITC Global, Inc. ("ITC Global" or the "Company"), a leading provider of enterprise grade satellite communications on a global basis to mining, energy and maritime businesses, announced today the appointment of Steven M. Barto as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. This appointment is effective immediately.

Barto comes to ITC Global from Vocollect, a leading provider of voice recognition enabled computing systems used to manage mobile workforces, where he joined as Chief Financial Officer and most recently served as Senior Vice President, General Manager. His career spans 25 years of working with both public and privately-held technology companies to accelerate global growth as well as merger and acquisition strategies. Mr. Barto previously held senior leadership positions at BPL Global Ltd., Ericsson, Marconi, RELTEC and Price Waterhouse. Mr. Barto is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor's degree from Kent State University.

"We are delighted to have Steve join the ITC Global team," said Joseph Spytek, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ITC Global. "His industry background and extensive experience managing financial matters for rapidly expanding global technology businesses will be a great asset as we continue to focus on aggressive organic growth as well as acquisition driven expansion. In the past year, ITC Global has expanded its operations in the oil and gas sector with the completion of the acquisition of Broadpoint from Cellular One and more recently completed the equity investment by Riverside Partners to further fuel our growth. I am confident Steve will further strengthen our management team as we continue to pursue our growth initiatives."

ITC Global, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a portfolio company of Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. Steven F. Kaplan, general partner at Riverside Partners, said, "We are excited to have Steve join the management team at ITC Global after seeing firsthand what he was able to accomplish at Vocollect, a Riverside Partners portfolio company, until its sale to Intermec in 2011."

About ITC GlobalITC Global is one of an elite group of companies that is able to deliver enterprise grade satellite communications on a global basis, with facilities across Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia, and trained engineering and technical staff in key strategic locations. Providing satellite communications systems and ongoing support to some of the world's largest and most successful mining companies in some of the most difficult and remote locations, ITC Global is also using its people, processes and technologies to deliver innovative solutions to oil and gas clients operating in developing markets and emerging gas fields. For more information, please visit www.itcglobal.com

About Riverside Partners Founded in 1989, Riverside Partners is a middle market private equity firm focusing on growth-oriented companies in the healthcare and technology industries. Riverside is particularly experienced at partnering with founders, owners and management teams and it brings substantial domain expertise and operating experience to its portfolio companies. The partners at Riverside have managed more than $500 million in investments in over 50 companies. The firm is currently focused on companies with revenues between $20 - $200 million and with $5 - $25 million of EBITDA. For more information, please visit www.riversidepartners.com.

Erik Sorenson, the one-time “CBS This Morning” and “CBS Evening News” EP who went on to run MSNBC from 1998-2004, has become an equity partner in Sucherman Consulting Group where he is COO.

Sucherman is a management consulting, executive search, and industry intelligence firm for the media and entertainment industries founded and run by Stuart Sucherman. “I am honored at the opportunity to partner with Stuart in owning and operating SCG,” says Sorenson. “I cannot think of a better team with whom to take this next step.”

SCG also announced it is expanding its Los Angeles office and launching SCG Industry Intelligence which will provide data and analysis about the media industry for clients which include ABC, ESPN, NBC, Telemundo and more.

More in the release after the jump…

SUCHERMAN CONSULTING GROUP ANNOUNCES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ERIK SORENSON, TO BECOME EQUITY PARTNER

Increases Scope of Services with Addition of SCG Industry Intelligence

Matthew Wagner Named Executive Vice President of SCG Industry Intelligence; Angela Gardner Named Executive Vice President of SCG Search

Sucherman Consulting Group, Inc (SCG), the premier management consulting, executive search, and industry intelligence firm for the media and entertainment industries, today announced that current Chief Operating Officer (COO) Erik Sorenson has become an equity partner with SCG. Mr. Sorenson will continue to serve as COO, overseeing the company’s projects and new business development.

“Erik joined SCG in 2010 bringing with him a career of experience in every aspect of the media business, from development to production to management, making him an extremely valuable and sought after partner in this industry,” said Stuart Sucherman, SCG’s Founder, Chairman and CEO. “It was a very natural transition for Erik to assume this new role as an equity partner with the company, and I look forward to continued growth and success over the coming years.”
“I am honored at the opportunity to partner with Stuart in owning and operating SCG,” said COO Erik Sorenson. “I cannot think of a better team with whom to take this next step.”

Along with the creation of this new partnership, SCG announced it is expanding its Los Angeles office, and increasing its scope of services with the addition of SCG Industry Intelligence. Having recognized that clients are increasingly looking for concrete and substantive information on the industry and their competitors, SCG Industry Intelligence will bring thorough industry analyses to its clients using highly-placed contacts within the media and entertainment landscape. SCG Industry Intelligence will be led by Matthew Wagner, who will serve as Executive Vice President of SCG Intelligence. Mr. Wagner has been with the company for over ten years, and will take on the role of overseeing this newly created department.

SCG also named media industry veteran Angela Gardner as Executive Vice President of SCG Executive Search. Ms. Gardner, a strategic human capital specialist, with extensive experience acquiring, developing and integrating talent, comes to SCG from a long career in the media industry, most recently as the Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Fox Entertainment Group. Ms. Gardner and Mr. Wagner will both be based out of SCG’s Los Angeles office.

Stuart Sucherman continued: “Over the years, the team at SCG has worked to build an impressive and distinguished clientele providing consulting, high-level talent and executive search, and industry intelligence services to the largest and most-watched media networks across the globe. With the creation of this new partnership, the expansion of our Los Angeles operation, an increased scope of services, and the addition of new talent to our team, Sucherman Consulting will grow into an even more vital advisor in the industry.”

About Sucherman Consulting Group, Inc
Sucherman Consulting Group, Inc. is a management consulting, executive search and industry intelligence firm that specializes in working with the largest media and entertainment companies across the globe.

We are a team of experienced industry executives who over the last 25 years have created unique and diverse programming strategies, organizational structures and decision-making processes. We have recruited hundreds of senior executives for the most recognized media organizations, and conducted strategic market research providing our clients with substantive industry intelligence. In an industry that is constantly evolving, we provide the depth of experience needed to help organizations react, respond and thrive.

Sucherman’s consulting clients include NBC Universal – NBC Network, CNBC & Telemundo, Disney – ABC News & ESPN, Discovery Channel Networks, Viacom – Showtime & MTV Networks, AOL, the New York Mets, and the New York Jets. Sucherman has placed executives at ABC, A&E, CNN, CNBC, Comedy Central, Endemol, Food Network, Fuse, Fox, Game Show Network, MTV, NBC, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Sundance, Telemundo, Tennis Channel, VH1, Viacom, the New York Mets, New York Jets and others. (http://www.sucherman.com/)

Bios

Erik Sorenson, Chief Operating Officer
Erik Sorenson is Executive Vice President and COO of SCG. Sorenson has been involved in every aspect of the media business, from development to production to management, making him a valuable partner both for the firm’s clients and for the management of the company’s day-to-day operations. His experience spans radio, local and broadcast television, cable and syndicated television and digital media. He is widely regarded as an expert on media strategy, industry trends and management best practices.

As a writer, producer and television executive, Sorenson has won more than twenty Emmy awards and a Peabody, among many others. After starting out in radio, Sorenson began his local television career in 1977, became the youngest major market news director (at age 28) and later rose to the level of Station Manager at KCBS-TV in 1987. Two years later, CBS moved Sorenson to New York as Executive Producer of CBS This Morning and by 1991 he was named Executive Producer of The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. Sorenson went on to create and produce a syndicated program for Group W and CBS (Day & Date) and served as EVP, Programming for Court TV (then a joint venture of Time-Warner, NBC and Liberty Media.)

In 1998, Sorenson was named President and GM of MSNBC, the 24-hour cable news joint venture between GE and Microsoft. For six years, Sorenson managed a staff of more than 500 and led the channel during the Kosovo War, the Bush-Gore 2000 Election, the 9/11 attacks, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sorenson also served on the joint venture board of msnbc.com, then the leading general news site in the United States. After leaving NBC in 2004, Sorenson formed a production company and for three years was CEO of Triple Threat Television which produced programs for ESPN, TLC, MTV and CNBC. In October 2007, Sorenson was named CEO of Vault.com and charged with growing the website and on-line business into a global, cross-platform leader within the highly competitive career space. In January 2010, Sorenson became non-executive Chairman of Vault.com’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Sorenson earned his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and also attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Sorenson attended one year of law school before devoting himself full-time to his television career and he was awarded an executive black belt in Six Sigma business management strategy from GE in 2003. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Children’s Aid and Family Services of New Jersey and serves on the President’s Council of the Valley Hospital Healthcare System.

Matthew Wagner, Executive Vice President of SCG Industry Intelligence
Matthew Wagner joined Sucherman Consulting Group in 2000. Mr. Wagner is based Los Angeles, where he has been running SCG’s West Coast operations since 2007.

Over his ten years at SCG, Mr. Wagner has led numerous searches and consulting projects for such clients as ABC Network, ABC Family, A&E Television Networks, CNBC, Current Media, Discovery Communications, Endemol, ESPN, Lifetime Entertainment, MSG Networks, NBC Universal, New York Mets, and Telemundo. These placements have included leadership roles across a variety of disciplines including marketing, sales, research, operational, human resources, and corporate development roles, with an emphasis on programming and digital media searches.

Recent placement highlights include: Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Public Affairs, Lifetime Entertainment; Senior Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions for MSG Networks; Senior Vice President of Digital Media for A&E Television Networks; Vice President, Business Development & New Media Strategic Planning for Endemol USA; Senior Vice President, Sales for Pathfire; Vice President, Programming & Scheduling for Fuse; Vice President, West Coast Development for True Entertainment; Director, Marketing for ABC News Digital Media Group.

Prior to joining SCG, Mr. Wagner spent three years as a Producer, Writer and On-Air Host for America Online Entertainment, where he produced and conducted over 200 live interactive interviews with A-list actors, directors, and producers. Additionally, Mr. Wagner created and produced several interactive talk and games shows for AOL’s entertainment division. Prior to joining AOL, Mr. Wagner was an actor and a playwright. Mr. Wagner served as the Artistic Director of Blank Slate Theater Company in New York.

Mr. Wagner is a Board of Director for Communities in Schools, Los Angeles West. He earned his B.A. in Theatre, Film, and Television from UCLA and studied acting at the William Esper School in New York.

Angela Gardner, Executive Vice President of SCG Executive Search
Angela Gardner joined Sucherman Consulting Group in 2011 as Executive Vice President of Development. Angela is a strategic human capital specialist, with extensive experience acquiring, developing and integrating talent.

Angela was born and brought up in the United Kingdom. She grew up near Cambridge and studied in North Wales and graduated with a degree in Psychology. Angela began her career in executive search in London, working for a number of boutique firms before joining international executive search firm, Heidrick & Struggles, in 1995. She was a member of the Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail practices. In 2000, she transferred to Los Angeles to build the consumer and entertainment related business in Southern California.

In 2003, Angela joined Fox Networks Group as Vice President, Talent Acquisition to establish their first in-house recruiting function. In 2009, she was promoted to SVP, Talent Acquisition of Fox Entertainment Group. Applying the principles of executive search to talent acquisition, she and her team established a department that serviced approximately 9000 employees. The team recruited at all levels – from interns to Presidents, was responsible for hiring all exempt and non-exempt employees; orienting new hires, and developing a diverse talent pipeline.

Angela has supervised the hiring of thousands of individuals in television, digital and consumer facing worlds. She was responsible for hiring at all levels across the broadcast, cable, sports, digital and movie businesses, including Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Sports, FuelTV, Speed, Fox Deportes, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Regional Sports Nets, FX, Fox Movie Channel, National Geographic Channel, Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Fox Home Entertainment, Fox Licensing & Merchandising, Blue Sky Studios, and Twentieth Century Fox Television Studios. During her time at Fox, she helped launch Fox Reality Channel, Fox Look, Big Ten Network, Nat Geo Wild, Fox Interactive Media, Fox Digital Media, and Hulu.com (JV with NBCUniversal). She also worked on the integration and expansion of such businesses as Fox Audience Network, Beliefnet, Fox.com, AI.com, Foxsports.com, Whatifsports.com, Scout.com, IGN and MySpace.

ErikS

Board appoints Stephen Wilkins as CEO

From the DeKalb County School District:

The DeKalb County Board of Education voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the appointment of Stephen Wilkins as Chief Operating Officer for the DeKalb County School System. The appointment is based on the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Atkinson after a national search for a permanent Chief Operating Officer for the School System.

Mr. Wilkins was most recently Chief of Human Capital Initiatives for the Alexandria City Public Schools in Alexandria, Va. He was previously facilities director for the Chicago Public Schools. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel, and served in key leadership positions over a 27-year military career. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University and is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he also served as an assistant professor.

As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Wilkins will be in charge of all operational aspects of the School System, including facilities and maintenance, transportation, school nutrition and construction.

“I’d like to thank the members of the Board of Education for their continued support as we assemble a team of professionals to move the School System forward,” Dr. Atkinson said. “Operations is a critical department, and we are pleased to welcome Mr. Wilkins, an experienced leader who will be an asset to the School System as we work to improve our efficiency and effectiveness.”

For more information about the DeKalb County School System, please visit www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/.

A supporter of President Jacob Zuma, with neither a matric certificate nor top management experience is tipped to land the R2 million job as chief operating officer of the financially-crippled SABC.

This after the SABC decided to advertise the strategic, second-most powerful post, only internally, for only three working days. According to newly-appointed group chief executive officer Lulama Mokhobo, matric was not a requirement for successful candidates.

Hlaudi Motsoeneng, essentially an ANC deployee at SABC, has had the requirements for the job, one of the key positions in the corporation’s turn-around strategy, tailor-made to suit him because he has no matric and has no managerial experience at that level.

He is the same man fingered by a KPMG probe as having lied about having a matric certificate when he applied for the post of news executive for the broadcaster’s Bloemfontein office several years ago. Should Motsoeneng land the job, he would possibly become the only COO of such a major public institution without matric.

The move has angered workers in the financially struggling organisation. They are asking how a person without an undergraduate qualification could be the second-in-command of an organisation with a R4.7 billion turnover.

At e.tv, for example, Bronwyn Keen-Young is the chief operating officer. She has a Masters degree from Wits University and a Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) from the University of South Africa (Unisa). Before her appointment at e.tv, she co-founded the Media Monitoring Project in 1993. Another COO, Graham Wayne Dempster, of Nedbank, one of the country’s top banks, is a qualified chartered accountant and has experience in retail banking.

The Sunday Tribune learnt that Mokhobo advertised the job on Friday, but apparently deleted parts where academic qualifications were required, ostensibly to ensure Motsoeneng, who does not have a matric but has strong political backing, qualified for the position.

Staff at the SABC are now questioning the deletion of the academic qualifications from the advert and the three working days allocated to prospective candidates. Applicants have until Tuesday to apply.

They say the position needs a suitably qualified person and Motsoeneng, said to have Zuma’s ear, was not the right candidate.

The advert states that the person who would be appointed to the job should be a “commercially astute executive, with broad ranging experience of success in broadcasting”, have “well developed negotiation and relationship building skills at the most senior level” and the “ability to translate and promote the integration of new business objectives into financial, human capital and organisational development changes on an ongoing basis”. “A demonstrable passion for public service” is the last requirement for the job.

Approached for comment, Motsoeneng said “I don’t want to comment on this issue” and added “speak to the CEO. She is here with me” before handing over his cellphone to Mokhobo.

The CEO said the job did not require a degree and was open only to SABC employees. “We are looking for a candidate who understands the business of the SABC. We don’t have the time to be in a state of inertia. It does not require a degree to run a business operation. That does not require an MBA. Anybody internally can apply for this job. We are very clear that we are not opening it to everybody,” she said.

She said the position did not require technical skill but an understanding of how business operations are run. “You need the ability to oversee complex situations.”

Responding to claims that the advert is tailor-made to suit Motsoeneng, Mokhobo said: “If we (had already) decided on Hlaudi, we would have not advertised the position. We would have given it to him.”

For over four years now, the SABC has not had a permanent COO and a chief technology officer. In stark contrast to Motsoeneng, Solly Mokoetle, the last person to occupy the position permanently in 2006, had a masters degree in journalism from Canada's Carleton University and 25 years experience in broadcasting. Twelve of those years were spent in executive management at the SABC. He also obtained advanced management and finance qualifications.

His successor, Charlotte Mampane, who occupied the COO's post temporarily, had a masters degree in management from Wits University, an honours degree from Unisa and management certificates from Wits Business School.

Mokhobo is the sixth SABC CEO – including those who were appointed in an acting capacity – to be in charge of the broadcaster since 2009. Before her, there was Dali Mpofu, who quit after accepting a R14 million settlement, Gab Mampone, who left under a cloud, and Solly Mokoetle, who was also paid millions of rand before his departure.

Former chief financial officer Robin Nicholson, who also acted in the CEO’s post, has taken the SABC to court for unceremoniously terminating his contract. Phil Molefe, who was the last executive to act as CEO, has returned to his job as group executive responsible for TV and radio news.

A senior staff member not authorised to speak to the media, said: “Where have you seen such a senior position advertised for three working days? This is bad. Where have you seen a big corporation like the SABC with a COO without qualifications?”

Hannes du Buisson, the president of the Broadcasting, Electronic Media and Allied Workers Union, confirmed that his union had received “concerns and complaints” about how the advertisement was worded.

“I have received quite a lot of complaints from staff about why there is no qualifications requirement in the advertisement. I can’t say it was drafted for him but there is suspicion,” Du Buisson said.

Communication Workers’ Union spokesman Matankana Mothapo said they would support Motsoeneng’s appointment.

“Let’s not talk about his qualifications. Let’s talk about skills. He understands the SABC. In the shortest time he has been at the SABC, he has done well. We are happy with him,” Mothapo said.

In May 2008, the SABC was plunged into turmoil when its board suspended Mpofu, who had a day earlier suspended ex-news chief Snuki Zikalala for allegedly leaking a confidential document to ANC treasurer Mathews Phosa.

The document in question related to a labour case involving Motsoeneng, who was at the time a current affairs executive producer for Lesedi FM. Motsoeneng was fired in 2007 and Mpofu had pushed Zikalala to reinstate him, but Zikalala refused.

Motsoeneng, according to an internal audit document, misled the SABC about his qualifications when he landed a job as a junior reporter in 1996. The SABC had tried, at least on more than two occasions, to obtain Motsoeneng’s matric certificate but failed.

Sources say the Zuma camp, which had triumphed in Polokwane in 2007, needed to take control of the SABC in a bid to clean his image. In the run-up to the Polokwane conference, those in the Zuma camp complained that Mpofu, who was said to be in Thabo Mbeki’s camp, favoured the former president with positive coverage and Motsoeneng was his antithesis. - Sunday Tribune.

Hlaudi Motsoeneng has walked into key positions
tailor-made to suit him. He has no matric and
has no managerial experience at that
level. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi

MILWAUKEE -- The uncertainty surrounding National League MVP Ryan Braun has not hurt the Brewers at the box office, the team's chief operating officer said Sunday.

As fans began filling the Frontier Airlines Center for this year's version of Brewers On Deck, COO Rick Schlesinger said the team expects to parlay its 2011 NL Central title into a record-setting sales season in 2012, whether or not Braun is on the field for Opening Day.

"Our ticket sales have been tremendous," Schlesinger said. "We are well ahead of last year, and we are expecting to have an all-time attendance record. Our numbers have been great."

The Brewers set the record just last season, drawing 3,071,373 fans while setting other club marks with 96 regular-season wins and 57 wins at home. It marked the third time in franchise history and the third time in four seasons that the Brewers topped the three million mark.

They set another club record this winter by selling their one millionth ticket for the following season on Dec. 22, nearly a month ahead of the previous mark. That news came 10 days after ESPN reported that Braun faced a suspension following a positive drug test.

"There has been no decline or plateauing [in sales], even after the announcement that Braun was under investigation," Schlesinger said. "I think fans are excited about the season."

Braun was notably absent from Sunday's "On Deck" event, which featured autograph and photo sessions among other events. He withdrew last week with the blessing of Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio, who cited the sensitivity of Braun's confidential appeal.

The appeals process reportedly began Jan. 19, and Brewers officials have no indications about the timing of a resolution. By rule, the arbiters who heard Braun's case have 25 days to render a decision.

"I've been paying a lot of attention to talk radio and the blogs, and I know a lot of different people have a lot of different opinions [about Braun skipping the fan event]," Schlesinger said. "But I think the average fan understands that if it were up to him, Ryan would love to be here. He really is a fan guy. He likes interacting with the fans.

"But I think you have to understand the situation he's in. He has to listen to his advisers saying what's best for him. Right now, the best thing is to deal with this situation. So the average fan, sure, they're disappointed he's not here, but I think they also for the most part respect why he's not."

Most of the Brewers' other stars were in attendance, including pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Zack Greinke, closer John Axford and All-Stars Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks.

After going through various iterations of winter caravans and fanfests over the years, the team has hosted Brewers On Deck at Milwaukee's downtown convention center since 2009.

"It's a good marker to the start of the season. Before we know it, we're going to be in Spring Training," Schlesinger said. "Our fans love it, and as a staff, I wouldn't say it's gotten to the point where it's 'turnkey,' but having done it here for a number of years, I think our staff has minimized the surprises. We have a good time putting it on."

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. – Many in the Bedford Central School District spent Saturday indoors bowling for a cause. The Fox Lane Sports Boosters Club held the Winter 2012 Gala and Fundraiser at Grand Prix New York in Mount Kisco, inside the new Spins Bowl arena that sits just next to the track.

The fundraising event is to support the field changes and maintenance at the Fox Lane High School and Middle School campuses, as well as the two new annual athletic scholarships that go to the “unsung hero” senior boy and girl. The day was filled with parents and students, all getting together in support of their programs.

“This is a perfect place to hold our winter gala,” said Roger Stern, Fox Lane Sports Boosters Club president. “Bowling is a fun sport for people of all skill levels and Grand Prix New York is a great place to hang out and socialize, even for people who don’t want to bowl.”

While the parents play an important role in the fundraising process, he said, the day was more so about who the money will, in the end, be affecting the most.

"What we end up doing ultimately benefits them. It's not really about parents having a good time, it's about making improvements that benefit them," said Booster Club COO and Treasurer Greg Raue. "We like getting the kids involved because it will effect them in the long run."

Sydney Stern, Roger Stern's daughter and senior at Fox Lane, said she agrees because she knows how important it is to get involved with helping the program.

“It's a big deal to help with the school. It's important because it's more enjoyable when your facilities are nicer," she said. "And this a fun thing to do, it's fun to hang out with your friends and bowl."

 Sydney Stern (center) and other Fox Lane
students at Spins Bowl, who helped raise
money for their school's booster club

 Greg Raue, COO and Treasurer of the Booster Club, 
who placed signs around the walls of Spins to show 
what the club has improved in the past.

The event brought together friends,
family, and students, all who were
there for the same cause.

By Callie Eidler Peter Massey, 54, joined the online advertising firm as president and chief operating officer. He was previously chief financial officer at JWT. Manny Berrios, 37, joined the social media advertising platform as chief technology ...

“Jobs should be our number one priority,” declared World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Co-Chair Vikram Pandit, Chief Executive Officer of Citi, in a session on the global agenda for 2012. “Ultimately it is about growth. Nothing creates jobs better than ...

The two new facilities in northeast Tulsa are a new beginning for US Highland.

A lease has been signed on the buildings, equipment is being carted in, and US Highland is now looking to hire new employees to revive the engine and motorcycle manufacturer.

Within months, new CEO and president John Fitzpatrick hopes to begin manufacturing products, and he hopes to have engines - and maybe even motorcycles - in the hands of customers this year.

But 18 months ago, or even a year ago, the prospects were much dimmer for the once promising company.

On July 10, 2010, US Highland President Mats Malmberg, chief operating officer Chase Bales and chief financial officer Damian Riddoch died when their single engine Cessna aircraft crashed as the three were returning from a business trip to Pontiac, Mich.

Suddenly, the company's three top men were gone.

"They were the heart and soul," said Deborah Ingles, US Highland's office manager and a former business partner to Bales.

"They were the visionaries. They were the die-hard racers. Of course we wondered what would happen to the company."

The company operated for six months but was hindered by majority investors in Sweden who refused to provide funding or give up control. The investment group even considered abandoning the company.

Those now heading the company are glad they didn't.

A promising company
Returning to work on July 12, 2010, was anything but normal for the 30 workers at US Highland's Mounds factory. They were 36 hours removed from the news that their bosses were killed in the plane crash.

Investigations revealed Bales radioed Tulsa International Airport and requested an emergency landing because of low fuel levels before crashing minutes later in a wooded area at Mohawk Park.

Bales and Riddoch died on site, and Malmberg died shortly after at a Tulsa hospital.

Two months earlier, the new company had moved into a new factory painted in US Highland yellow. A dirt track was built outside. Orders were being taken, dealers lined up and new employees hired.

At the head was Malmberg, a Swedish off-road motorcycle rider. For 10 years, he helped run a Swedish engine design and niche motorcycle manufacturer, Highland Group AB. In 2008, that group wanted Malmberg to bring the engine design to the U.S.

"Mats was a thrill-seeker, and he loved anything that was powerful," said Darin Long, who worked with Malmberg, Bales and Riddoch in their first attempts at marketing Highland engines and later worked to develop connections in Asia. "And Chase loved to ride, too. That's what made it work so well together."

Malmberg partnered with Bales, an entrepreneur in Tulsa and motorcycle enthusiast who first tried to take the idea to a Utah-based bike maker. When that partnership fell apart, Malmberg, Bales and Riddoch, who came over from Utah, formed their own company, US Highland.

"We want to make motorcycles for people who ride motorcycles," Bales told the Tulsa World in May 2010. "When someone buys a motorcycle, the first thing they usually do is rip it apart. They won't have to do that with our bikes."

Swedish investors bankrolled the company, and Bales, Malmberg and Riddoch worked for two years to lay its foundation.

By early 2010, the company had signed contracts to sell engines to third parties and were working on prototype motorcycles and four-wheelers.

On the brink
After the crash, not a single executive manager was left at the 30-person firm. Employees wondered what was next.

"Everyone came in Monday and went back to what they would be doing on a normal day," Ingles said. "Everyone wanted to do what they could to help, and that is what we did to get through."

Shortly after the accident, the Swedish investment team reached out to Long. Three days after the crash, he was appointed chief operating officer.

"The first thing I thought about were the families," Long said. "These people were personal friends. It would have been easy to shut down and call it quits, but there were wives and children that were depending on us. It's easy to keep going when you think like that."

Long scheduled weekly meetings and told workers they could keep their jobs but should probably look elsewhere for work as the company wound down operations.

The company continued for six months, but with Malmberg gone, relations with investors were strained, Long said. The company needed money to continue engine development. Long tried to bring in an infusion of cash from new investors but hit a roadblock when the investment group in Sweden would not yield its majority stake in the company.

At an impasse with investors, Long resigned in December 2010. Operations ceased immediately.

A new hope for Highland
In Long's final months with the company, he worked to find investors. Many were reluctant considering the complicated ownership structure.

After he left, Swedish investors agreed to consider a sale.

"It was the intellectual property that gave the company value despite what had happened," said Ron Brewer, managing director of Tulsa's Southbridge Advisory Group. "Developing a new (engine) can take years and costs about $30 million."

Brewer's consulting company had assisted US Highland when it began trading publicly in early 2010. He was approached by the Swedish group to help reorganize the company.

"There had been so much disruption in management that the primary investors felt the best thing to do was to restructure the company," Brewer said. "US Highland had to have appropriate management that understood the manufacturing process, and then it needed to have some solid, long-term investors that would see the company through."

In August 2011, after about seven months of negotiations, the company was sold to North American investors who saw value in the company as an engine manufacturer first with the potential for motorcycle production.

Ready for a challenge
Even before the crash, Bales and Malmberg were discussing plans to hire a new chief executive for the company, one who had manufacturing and marketing experience.

Tulsan John Fitzpatrick, a former executive with Harley Davidson and most recently CEO of Indian Motorcycles in Gilroy, Calif., was hired as CEO on Sept. 20, 2011.

But by then, all that was left of the company was a warehouse full of equipment locked up by the property's landlord since December.

When Fitzpatrick came on board, the company had one customer remaining from pre-crash business and a design for an engine.

"I see this as an engine play," Fitzpatrick said. "It is such a powerful product, and it has real potential."

In time, Fitzpatrick said he sees US Highland as a player in the domestic dirt-bike business, one that builds exclusive high-end bikes for a niche audience.

This week Fitzpatrick signed a lease for 17,000 square feet of assembly space in northeast Tulsa.

He hopes to restart assembly on engines within three months and hire 30 to 50 employees.

"I really think that in three to five years we could have 600 employees at a 300,000-square-foot facility," Fitzpatrick said.

Ingles, who worked with Bales through 15 years of business ideas, said she is glad the company didn't disappear.

"The new team that has been put together has been amazing," she said. "After all the work we put in, it's basically a start-up all over again. Even when the company wasn't functioning, people kept calling. The interest is still there."

Valuable leadership
When the plane carrying US Highland executives Mats Malmberg (at right), Chase Bales and Damian Riddoch crashed in July 2010, upstart motorcycle manufacturer U.S. Highland, Inc. was valued at nearly $16 million, according to an analysis of share prices after the accident.

Employees at the company say there were driven not just by a desire to save their jobs, but to help support the families of U.S. Highland's deceased leaders.

Today the company (UHLN) is valued at about $2.8 million.

US Highland timeline
2008: Swedish motorcycle rider Mats Malmberg brings Swedish engine design to United States. Malmberg and new partner Chase Bales try to bring design to a Utah-motorcycle maker but can't reach an agreement.

May 2009: Malmberg, Bales and engine industry veteran Damian Riddoch found US Highland Inc.

April 2010: US Highland opens plant in Mounds and hires 30 employees to build motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

July 10, 2010: US Highland president Mats Malmberg, chief operating officer Chase Bales and chief financial officer Damian Riddoch are killed in plane crash while returning from business trip.

July 13, 2010: Swedish investors appoint director of Asia operations Darin Long as new chief operating officer.

December 2010: Long resigns from the company. Operations shut down.

August 2011: New investment group buys US Highland, starts reorganization and CEO search.

September 2011: Ex-Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles executive John Fitzpatrick named US Highland CEO and president.

January 2012: US Highland signs lease for 15,000 square feet of assembly space in northeast Tulsa, plans to start production in coming weeks.

The most important aspects of social networking site Facebook becoming a public company are the jobs growth and social change it represents, Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of the company, told CNBC Sunday.

“If this is seen as an opportunity for jobs and for people to use their work to change the world that’s what we want to be a part of,” Sandberg said at a CNBC debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Reports on Friday suggested that Facebook is preparing to announce an initial public offering Wednesday. The listing is the most anticipated of the decade and could value the company at $100 billion. The firm was founded just seven years ago by Harvard undergraduate Mark Zuckerberg.

Since then, it has gained billions of users and was credited with helping people organize the protests which became known as the Arab Spring, along with site Twitter.

“We need social networks in emerging markets and authoritarian regimes,” Alejandro Ramirez, chief executive of Cineopolis told the audience. “We saw what happened in the Arab Spring—they can empower the common citizen and become a powerful tool to liberate populations.”

Sandberg warned that even liberal Western governments are attempting to limit the power of social networks. The growth of Facebook, Twitter and file-sharing internet companies has caused alarm over potential violations of intellectual property.

“The new digital divide is the difference between people who have access to free internet and people whose access is closed,” she said.

“I believe in intellectual property, but the role that democratic governments are playing in how much freedom of expression and how much regulation there will be could potentially stop that.”

Online information site Wikipedia had a high-profile blackout earlier this month over the US Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA), proposed new legislation governing intellectual property in the U.S., which has since been blocked.

The need for more employment globally was one of the key themes of the 2012 Davos summit. The International Labour Organisation believes that 400 million new jobs are needed globally in the next decade to cope with the world’s growing population.

"Facebook is barely seven years old and has 3,000 employees—and it has created more than 450,000 jobs in Europe and the US,” Sandberg said.

“The best thing it can represent is the kind of growth that creates jobs.”

“New technology will sometimes take away jobs but may also grow jobs,” Sandberg added.

“The world is looking for economic growth—the kind of economic growth that feeds a billion people and that employs people all around the world.”

“The best thing it can represent is the kind of growth that creates jobs.”

“New technology will sometimes take away jobs but may also grow jobs,” Sandberg added.

“The world is looking for economic growth—the kind of economic growth that feeds a billion people and that employs people all around the world.”

Correction: An earlier version of this story said that a Facebook IPO could raise $100 billion. An IPO is seen by market watchers as possibly raising $10 billion.

The 'plane you can drive'
STORY HIGHLIGHTS

    * Anna Dietrich: We depend on cars and planes for most transportation
    * She says the highway system and commercial plane network limit mobility, choices
    * Dietrich and her colleagues are developing a plane that can drive legally on roads
    * If the prototypes succeed, people will be able to park airplane in garage, she says

Editor's note: Anna Dietrich is chief operating officer of Terrafugia Inc. in Woburn, Massachusetts. She spoke at the TED Global conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July. TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to "ideas worth spreading," which it makes available through talks posted on its website.

Woburn, Massachusetts (CNN) -- Cars and commercial airplanes move the vast majority of us around, but as any frequent traveler knows, both of these modes of transportation have their limitations.

Cars are restricted to highway speeds and the sometimes circuitous routes of our road infrastructure. Commercial airlines, with their high security, fixed schedules and hub-and-spoke system, offset their fast point-to-point speed with large amounts of waiting, and you still have to drive on each end of the flight.
Anna Mracek Dietrich: A plane to drive

Personal aviation, where pilots operate small private aircraft, offers an alternative with the potential to get you where you need to be quickly, safely and on your own schedule, but it, too, comes with limitations. We founded Terrafugia in 2006 to develop a solution to many of the barriers to the more widespread use of personal aviation: Our work led to the development of a new kind of aircraft, which we call the "Transition."

Watch Anna Dietrich's TED Talk

I co-founded Terrafugia as a graduate student in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT. A pilot myself, I was interested in taking advantage of the new Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft Rule that the Federal Aviation Administration created in 2004 to lower the barriers to entry to personal aviation for both pilots and manufacturers.

We used the resources that were available at MIT and with our local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter to start building a team and a business while doing early conceptual design on the Transition itself. Since the beginning I've enjoyed applying engineering problem-solving skills to the challenge of company creation: In many ways, starting a company is just a big systems engineering design-within-constraints problem.

I'm also looking forward to fulfilling a dream I've had since grade school by being able to fly something that I've both helped design and build when I take the Transition out for the first time.

TED.com: Paul MacCready flies on solar wings

In describing the Transition, we use the phrase "roadable aircraft" instead of "flying car" to help set expectations for what it is and how it will be used. As a light-sport aircraft, the Transition must be operated in and out of designated airports by certificated pilots. (Because this aircraft is easy to fly, the appropriate pilot license can be earned in weeks, instead of months or years.)

Unlike any other airplane on the market today, the Transition can fold its wings on command, shift power from the propeller to the rear wheels and drive as a fully street-legal vehicle on any road in the United States. Designed to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, it is the first light airplane to incorporate automotive-style safety features such as dash-mounted airbags, a passenger safety cage and energy-absorbing crumple zones. For added safety in flight, there is a full vehicle parachute for use in case of emergency.

While the Transition is not intended to replace the modern automobile, it does have the potential to improve travel significantly. At less than 7 feet tall, it will fit in most garages, saving rent on hangar space. It runs on unleaded gasoline instead of more expensive aviation fuel.

TED.com: Bert Rutan on the future of space

The Transition can also use any of more than 5,000 public-use airports in the United States, letting the operator avoid the congestion of commercial hub airports while also flying over traffic jams on the roadways. After landing, being able to drive to your final destination solves the "last mile problem." Flying at 100 mph and traveling point-to-point in the air, on your own schedule, the Transition can save hours off the typical regional trip.

And what about the weather, something that often halts small airplane travel? With a Transition, if the weather gets bad, fold the wings without leaving the cockpit and continue the trip safely on the road. If the weather clears later in the trip, drive to a nearby airport and get back in the air.

In short, the Transition addresses the cost barriers, weather sensitivity, long door-to-door travel time and lack of ground mobility that has thus far kept personal aviation from playing a significant role in meeting our transportation needs.

As of early 2012, Terrafugia is conducting an extensive set of tests on our two production prototype aircraft. These aircraft incorporate all of the improvements that we were able to make following the completion of flight and drive testing of our proof of concept aircraft in 2009.

Covering both flight and road use, we're using a combination of powered testing, static load testing and sophisticated analysis and simulation to demonstrate compliance to the light-sport aircraft standards as well as the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

If this testing program continues to go well, we could be delivering the first aircraft to private owners around the end of this year.

While it is not the "flying car" of "The Jetsons," the Transition is a state-of-the-art solution to improving personal mobility today. From the reactions we get to the aircraft whenever we have the opportunity to share it, it's clear that even with its practical approach, the Transition is rekindling a shared dream of more personal freedom.

As with many disruptive products, it is difficult to predict where this technology will take us in the future, but I believe that the Transition is the next major step in improving how we navigate our world. I would encourage you to think about where you'd like to go once you have an airplane in your garage.

Cadogan Petroleum plc announced that Adelmo Schenato will join Cadogan as Chief Operating Officer and has been appointed a Director of the Company with immediate effect.

Adelmo Schenato joins Cadogan after a 35 year career at Eni S.p.A ("Eni"), the Italian integrated energy business, where he served in senior global and regional positions. His global roles at Eni included Well Operations R&D and Technical Management, and Vice President HSE & Sustainability. His regional roles include General Manager for Tunisia, Gabon and Angola as well as CEO of Eni's Italian gas storage company.

Ian Baron, who has served in the post of Chief Operations Officer since August last year, becomes Business Development Director.

Commenting on the changes Cadogan CEO Bertrand des Pallieres said, "I am pleased to welcome Adelmo Schenato in his new position as Chief Operating Officer and look forward to the tremendous contribution his unique and extensive experience can bring Cadogan at this critical stage of its expansion. Adelmo has one of the best pedigrees in the industry and his thorough understanding of the sector, and in particular operating and drilling technologies, will be critical to meeting our strategic objectives in Ukraine."

Commenting on Ian Baron's new role Mr des Pallieres continued, "Ian Baron joined the Board of Cadogan in March 2009 with a mandate from the previous Board to assess the best way to return value to shareholders. In that time, he has helped Cadogan revitalize its business with foundations established to rebuild growth. His new role will continue to build on those foundations."

Hygeia HMO, a subsidiary of Hygeia Group, has appointed a Chief Operating Officer Mr Ramesh V. Kurup to oversee its operations.

Ramesh comes with over 22 years of field experience. With an Accounting background and experience in Health and General Insurance, Ramesh joins Hygeia HMO from Strategis Insurance Limited, Tanzania, where he was the COO responsible for the operations of the organisation.

Prior to this time, Ramesh was the Area Manager for Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Trivandrum, India. He also worked as the Branch Manager for the New India Assurance Co. Ltd; an insurance company based in India. He is a member of the Insurance Institute of India.

His responsibilities at Hygeia HMO include providing quality leadership initiatives and superior direction to ensure efficient and all round professional performance. He will also be responsible for creating core strategic and market facing activities to aid the actualisation of short, medium and long-term objectives of the company.

Hygeia HMO, a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) which provides first-class health care services to individuals, families, groups and companies, is part of Hygeia Group, Nigeria’s leading health care provider.

The firm works closely with over 400 clinics and hospitals countrywide and has also contracted with over 1,400 provider hospitals.

PRAGUE—Maxim Behar, who leads Hill+Knowlton Strategies’ Bulgarian affiliate M3 Communications, has been named chairman of Hill+Knowlton Strategies’ Czech office. Behar is an treasurer and executive board member of ICCO (the International Communications Consultancy Organization), two-term president and now deputy president of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum, and president of the Bulgarian Association of PR Agencies. M3 was named Eastern European Consultancy of the Year by this publication last year.

PARIS—Bertrand Cizeau, formerly director of brand, communications and advertising for Cetelem, the personal finance group of BNP Paribas, has been appointed deputy director for brand, communications and quality for the BNP Paribas Group. He is succeeded in his personal finance role by Marianne Huvé-Allard, formerly head of brand and communications for BNP Paribas corporate and investment banking and has been succeeded by Bruce Hedgcock. Jean-François Boutringain, has been appointed chief operating officer, for brand, communications and quality for the BNP Paribas Group, in charge of coordinating teams and resources.

LONDON—Bell Pottinger has expanded its senior team with the appointment of Peter Roberts as the group’s new head of issues and crisis management. He joins from Hill & Knowlton, where he was a senior associate director of the issues and crisis management practice. Roberts was previously head of communications for BBC News, playing a lead role in response to some of the biggest PR issues to have faced the corporation in recent years, including the kidnapping of news correspondent, Alan Johnston and the Hutton affair.

LONDON—Liverpool Vision, the economic development company for the city of Liverpool, has appointed Seven Hills as lead marketing and communications partner on the first Global Entrepreneurship Congress to be hosted in Europe. Seven Hills will develop the brand identity, secure headline event content, and deliver a media relations campaign ahead of the Congress in March.

LONDON—Newgate Public Relations, a capital markets and corporate reputation consultancy founded by former Citigate Dewe Rogerson chief Jonathan Clare, has appointed senior BBC business journalist Martin Greig as an associate director. Greig has spent the last 11 years as a senior business news producer with BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme and has also edited BBC Radio 5-Live’s Wake up To Money programme and produced BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours programme.

COPENHAGEN—Axon Communications, the healthcare subsidiary of Canada’s National PR, has named Tina Hahn as vice president, based in Copenhagen. In addition to advising existing clients, Hahn will be responsible for developing business with the international head offices of pharmaceutical and medical device companies based in the Nordic region. Prior to joining Axon, Hahn was director of global medical marketing for Coloplast, a medical device manufacturer.

LONDON—Financial sector communications specialist Cicero Consulting has appointed Mike Robb, who joined the firm early in 2011, as head of media relations, and Chris Jackson, who has been with the company since 2007, as head of digital, expanding its services to include specialist media and digital teams.

ESHER—AD Communications, the Surrey-based international marketing and communications agency for the print, publishing and visual communications sectors, has expanded its PR team with the appointment of Brad Girtz. Prior to joining AD Communications, Brad held a PR management role for mobile app development company Billy Creative and earlier had stints in print, online and broadcast journalism and media production, both in the UK and the US.

BASINGSTOKE—England Squash & Racketball has awarded a public relations management contract to Sportsmad Media. The Hampshire-based agency will represent the governing body for squash and racketball, which is currently promoting a number of high-profile championship events including the British Junior Open in Sheffield at the beginning of January, and the return to London of the Allam British Open in May.

DAVOS: In a frank expression of her views on women as leaders, social networking site Facebook's COO Sheryl Sandberg has said boys are groomed to become leaders while girls are encouraged to stay in the background.

In a forthright comment at the World Economic Forum (WEF) platform, Sandberg also said a man who demands a higher salary is taken more seriously, while a woman who demands the same thing or tries to be assertive is seen as being bossy.

"How many boys have you ever heard accused of being too bossy?," she asked.

Sandbergy further pointed out that boys are taught to be leaders as early as at the age of four, while girls are encouraged to stay in the background.

During a discussion, one of the opinions was that even though more women are entering the workplace, corporations still fail to fully capitalise on their abilities.

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that her country plans to create a national women's development fund to counter human rights abuses directed at women.

She noted that education is the most effective way of decreasing early pregnancies, the death of women in child birth and infections of HIV/AIDS.

Jan. 27 (Bloomberg) -- James Murdoch, News Corp.’s deputy chief operating officer, is cutting some of his ties to London ahead of a move to New York that was delayed amid a phone- hacking scandal that engulfed the U.K. business.

Murdoch, the son of News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, is leaving the board of London-based GlaxoSmithKline Plc after less than three years, the U.K. drugmaker said yesterday. Murdoch’s strategy adviser for Europe, Matthew Anderson, is stepping down and moving to San Francisco, News Corp. said separately.

James Murdoch was named deputy chief operating officer last March, four months before reports of voicemail interception by tabloid journalists in the U.K. forced News Corp. to drop its bid for British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc. U.K. lawmakers are currently preparing a report about Murdoch’s role in the scandal and may publish their findings in coming weeks.

“The strategy has shifted with the political issues in London, with the phone-hacking scandal, the BSkyB bid falling through, the fact that James is moving from London to New York,” said Alan Gould, an analyst at Evercore Partners in New York. “Most of the power is in New York. They want most of the strategic planning with the senior executives.”

There are no plans to replace Anderson in London, according to two people with knowledge of the considerations. They declined to be identified because the decision is private. Alice Macandrew, the former head of public relations for News Corp. in Europe, left her role in December.

News Corp. spokesman Jack Horner declined to comment yesterday on the management changes.

Lawmaker Investigation

Murdoch was given the deputy COO job in March 2011, with News Corp. announcing plans to move the 39-year-old, who is Rupert Murdoch’s youngest son, to its headquarters in New York. By July, the company’s News International U.K. publishing unit faced phone-hacking allegations against the News of the World, leading to the tabloid’s closure. Both Murdochs appeared before U.K. lawmakers to explain their role.

The fallout also led to the resignation of Rebekah Brooks, the CEO of News International, and Les Hinton, head of the Dow Jones & Co. division who had previously worked in the U.K.

Shareholders of News Corp. and pay-TV broadcaster BSkyB, partly owned by News Corp., lodged protest votes against Murdoch after the scandal engulfed the company. Murdoch is chairman of BSkyB and also sits on the board of Sotheby’s, the largest publicly traded auction house.

‘Ill-Suited’

Murdoch should quit the board of Sotheby’s, said CtW Investment Group, an adviser to union-sponsored pension funds with more than $200 billion in assets. The phone-hacking scandal makes Murdoch “ill-suited for service” on the boards of Glaxo, Sotheby’s and BSkyB, CtW said.

Sotheby’s spokeswoman Diana Phillips said in an e-mailed statement that “James Murdoch is a valued member of Sotheby’s board.”

Lawmaker Tom Watson, a member of the U.K.’s Labour party and a member of the Parliament’s Culture Committee investigating the scandal, said in July that James Murdoch should face criminal charges and was unsuitable to be a director of BSkyB, in which News Corp. owns 39 percent.

James Murdoch told lawmakers in November that News of the World editor Colin Myler failed to tell him in 2008 that phone hacking at the now-defunct tabloid was common. Myler and the newspaper’s lawyer Tom Crone have repeatedly insisted that they discussed evidence with Murdoch.

Succession

Murdoch joined News Corp.’s U.K. publishing unit News International as chairman in December 2007, after the hacking took place. Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News, competes with News Corp. units in providing financial news and information.

When News Corp. announced Murdoch’s New York move, analysts including David Joyce at Miller Tabak & Co. said the decision was probably part of a plan for James to succeed his father at some point.

Following the phone-hacking scandal, it will be important for Murdoch to work with Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey, says Michael Morris, an analyst at Davenport & Co. LLC.

“Chase Carey is the single-most important operational executive at the company, and he’s based in New York,” Morris said. “If executives are going to be geographically aligned with the economics of the business, then most of your executives will be based in New York.”

Altech battle: Is time up for Venter?

Altech COO's shock resignation signals need for an outsider at the helm

  "I don't envisage any kinds of power struggle issues. He is going to be running the operations. I am not going to run the operations. I'm giving him all the operational responsibility of the Altech group- Craig Venter"

CRAIG Venter's credibility as CEO of Altech has been dealt a bad knock by the embarrassingly premature departure of his highly rated chief operating officer, Jeffrey Hedberg, a mere six months after starting the job.

When Venter announced Hedberg's appointment last April he made extravagant promises about what Hedberg would achieve for Altech, an investment holding company in the telecommunications, multi-media and information technology industries.

He would play a key role in doubling Altech's R10-billion revenue in the next three to five years and building it into a "substantial global business", gushed Venter, who has a reputation for promising more than he delivers.

"I can tell you Altech is not going to be a R10-billion company going forward. With Jeffrey and myself working together the plan is to take Altech to the next level", he told financial journalists and analysts.

Hedberg's priority, said Venter, would be turning around the group's ailing East African business, which Venter saw as Altech's key growth driver.

"There's no question in terms of East Africa. Jeffrey has built networks, Jeffrey understands how to run a network operator."

"Jeffrey" had told Venter that "we have a gold mine there".

Venter's confidence in his new chief operating officer was not necessarily misplaced.

Hedberg, 50, who is from the US, had a leading role at the national Swiss phone group Swisscom and was chairman and CEO of Deutsche Telekom in the US before coming to South Africa in 2006 to turn around Cell C, which was losing R300-million a year.

Within three years of his taking over it was making an operating profit of R320-million a year.

In November 2009, Telkom appointed him to sort out its cripplingly expensive Multi-Links disaster in Nigeria. In 2010, he became acting-CEO of Telkom and quickly gave it a new sense of direction.

He wanted the job for keeps and naively believed he would get it. When he realised he wouldn't he resigned.

Venter, under pressure from shareholders to improve Altech's performance and shore up his leadership team after the departure of four senior managers in two years, pounced.

The only flaw in his "analysis" of what he and Hedberg would achieve together lay in Venter's character and personality.

Analysts and group insiders knew Venter as autocratic and domineering. They doubted he would ease his grip on the group's 32 operating companies enough to let Hedberg do his job, or that Hedberg, a big hitter more used to being the boss than being bossed, would tolerate Venter's brand of leadership for long.

An analyst who has dealt with both men laughed when he heard Venter's presentation and thought, "there's no way".

Venter addressed what was on everybody's mind. "I don't envisage any kinds of power struggle issues", he assured the investment community. "He is going to be running the operations. I am not going to run the operations. I'm giving him all the operational responsibility of the Altech group."

"The message we got," said the analyst, "was, 'look, we're hardcore characters but we're here to do a job and we'll do it. We're not going to knock our heads'.

"We looked at each other and thought, 'yeah, right!'"

Other analysts had serious reservations too.

"Having two executives playing de facto "CEO" roles in the same group does not appear to be the most sustainable arrangement given that the risk of a clash of personalities will be high", BOE analysts wrote in a report to clients.

After Hedberg's predictably swift departure from the group, Venter made astonishing allegations.

Hedberg had "the wrong mindset for Altech", he said.

He had "underestimated" the role of COO, had not had to respond to a CEO in his previous roles (and so, presumably, didn't know how to take orders), and was used to an environment where he could operate with billions of taxpayers' money.

Hedberg said Venter's allegations were "unfortunate, inappropriate and do not represent the facts", but was reluctant to be drawn into a "dogfight" with him.

An analyst felt Venter's response was "probably a one-finger gesture to Hedberg", prompted by Venter's irritation at his share price falling more than 5% on the day Hedberg's resignation was announced.

If Venter's allegations are true then they raise questions about his judgment and credibility. This is a man he had known for "many years", he said when announcing Hedberg's appointment.

His assurances to the investment community that Hedberg would help double Altech's revenue in three to five years were reckless at best if, in fact, according to Venter a few months later, he was unsuited for the chief operating officer role.

There was considerable speculation in the investment community about why Hedberg, with his "recognised pedigree", in the words of a BOE analyst, agreed to become Venter's COO in the first place.

It was a step down for him and would only have made sense if he'd been given to believe that after a while he would be made CEO.

Venter spoke about giving Hedberg full operational responsibility, but you can't have responsibility and accountability without authority. According to an insider, Venter would not be around a lot of the time to give the necessary authority for initiatives Hedberg was anxious to drive forward.

"Hedberg knows what's going to work and what's not going to work, but there was a lack of clarity from Craig about what he wanted and when he wanted it. He was out of the office a lot of the time, but insisted on having ultimate authority before things could be done.

"He would come back and find this or that decision had been made and would not be happy."

According to a source close to Hedberg, he took the chief operating officer job on the understanding that he "would be moved up a notch to CEO" as soon as possible.

"This was the deal."

Until it happened, warned BOE analysts, "we think minorities face the risk of his departure coming sooner rather than later".

Judging by the positive market reaction to the news of Hedberg's appointment and sharp fall on his resignation there is a feeling in the investment community that after almost 15 years as CEO Venter has reached his sell-by date, and that it is time for a non-family member to take the group founded by his father, Bill Venter, to the levels he so confidently predicted before Hedberg headed for the door.

RED-FACED: Craig Venter

    “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of the parent company of Kinetic Concepts, Inc. and LifeCell Corporation today announced that Ronald A. Matricaria has joined the Board of Directors and will serve as its Chairman. Matricaria will oversee the implementation of a new management structure under which Joseph F. Woody has been appointed President and Chief Executive officer of KCI and Lisa N. Colleran has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeCell. Martin J. Landon, who served as interim Chief Executive Officer during the recent management transition, will continue in his capacity as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KCI. In addition, the Board of Directors announced that KCI will pursue strategic alternatives for KCI’s Therapeutic Support Systems business.

 The structure and plans announced today are designed to strengthen the companies’ performance and deliver stronger returns while ensuring that KCI and LifeCell remain recognized leaders in the fields of wound care and regenerative medicine. KCI and LifeCell are privately-held sister corporations owned by a consortium consisting of Apax Partners and controlled affiliates of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board. Going forward, KCI and LifeCell financial reporting will remain consolidated, while the companies will be managed independently under the new structure. KCI will continue to provide inter-company services and compliance oversight to LifeCell.

Ron Matricaria’s highly successful career in the healthcare industry has spanned nearly four decades. From 1993 to 2002, Matricaria was President and Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman of St. Jude Medical, Inc. He led the company's diversification strategy to become a broad-based cardiovascular device company, which today is a world market leader in cardiac surgery, cardiac rhythm management, and vascular closure products and services. Prior to joining St. Jude Medical, Matricaria spent 24 years at Eli Lilly and Company, where he last served as President of North American Operations and Executive Vice President of the pharmaceutical division. Matricaria currently serves as Lead Director of the Board of Directors of LIFE Technology Corporation, Chairman of the Board of Volcano Therapeutics, Inc. and as a director on the Board of Directors of Phoenix Children's Hospital. He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University's Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

“Ron Matricaria has a proven track record of success in the medical device industry and a wealth of experience in the corporate governance of health care companies,” said Buddy Gumina, Partner and co-head of the Apax Healthcare Team. “We believe that bringing Ron on as Chairman, together with the appointment of Joe Woody and Lisa Colleran to the CEO roles at KCI and LifeCell, creates the ideal environment for outstanding success.”

Woody has more than 20 years experience in the healthcare sector. Prior to joining KCI as President of its Active Healing Solutions business in November 2011, Woody served as Global President, Vascular Therapies for Covidien. At Covidien, he was responsible for the $2.6 billion acquisition and integration of ev3. Previously, Woody served as Global President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management and held other leadership positions at Alliance Imaging, Inc., Acuson and GE Medical Systems.

Colleran has been President of LifeCell since 2008, during which time LifeCell has experienced significant growth and doubled its revenue. Colleran joined LifeCell in 2002 and has held several leadership positions including Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. Previously, Colleran spent 20 years at Baxter Healthcare Corporation in various roles in sales, marketing, business development and general management including Vice President of Marketing for Baxter’s U.S. Renal business and Vice President/General Manager of the company’s Renal Pharmaceuticals business.

Coinciding with the changes in the management structure of KCI and LifeCell, the Board of Directors has approved the engagement of Credit Suisse as lead advisor, together with UBS Investment Bank, to pursue strategic alternatives for KCI’s Therapeutic Support Systems (TSS) business. KCI’s TSS business, a global leader in the support surfaces market, rents and sells specialized therapeutic support systems including hospital beds, mattress replacement systems, overlays and patient mobility devices. There can be no assurance that any transaction regarding TSS will be completed. KCI does not intend to disclose developments with respect to progress of its strategic alternatives review process until such time as the Board of Directors approves or completes a transaction or otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate.

“Our TSS business has enjoyed many successes over more than 35 years, and we believe that the value TSS brings to caregivers and patients can be enhanced through a transformative strategic transaction,” said Stephen D. Seidel, President, KCI Therapeutic Support Systems.

About KCI

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. is a leading global medical technology company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of innovative, high-technology therapies and products for the wound care and therapeutic support system markets. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, KCI's success spans more than three decades and can be traced to a history deeply rooted in innovation and a passion for significantly improving the healing and the lives of patients around the world. For more information about KCI and how its products are changing the practice of medicine, please visit www.KCI1.com.

About LifeCell

LifeCell Corporation, based in Branchburg, NJ, is a leader in regenerative medicine, develops and markets innovative tissue repair products for the reconstructive, orthopedic and urogynecologic biosurgery markets. LifeCell™ products include Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix and AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix for plastic, reconstructive, and general surgical applications; Cymetra® Regenerative Tissue Matrix, a particulate form of AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix suitable for injection; Repliform® Regenerative Tissue Matrix for urogynecologic surgical procedures; GraftJacket® and Conexa™ for orthopedic surgical procedures; and the SPY® Elite System for the visualization and evaluation of tissue perfusion. Additional information about LifeCell and its products is available at www.LifeCell.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are only predictions, not historical facts, and involve significant risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Actual results, levels of activity, performance, achievements and events could differ materially from those currently stated, anticipated or implied due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, including under headings such as "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and in other filings and furnishings made by the Company with the SEC from time to time. Except to the extent required by applicable federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50148100&lang=en

Contacts

KCI Corporate Communications
Kevin Belgrade, 210-216-1236
Email: kevin.belgrade@kci1.com
or
KCI Investor Relations
Todd Wyatt, 210-255-6157
Email: todd.wyatt@kci1.com

By Linda Blachly | January 27, 2012 Republic Airways Holdings (RAH) has named airline executive David Siegel as CEO, president and interim COO of subsidiary Frontier Airlines (F9) to lead its restructuring program. Siegel is a former CEO of XOJET, ...

SkyVantage Global Airline Solutions today announced that Kenneth Romer has been named Vice President and Regional Director, Caribbean, effective immediately. He will report to Cory Robin, CEO, and be responsible for SkyVantage sales, customer satisfaction and market presence in a region that covers the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Florida.

Romer most recently served as C.O.O. and Corporate Consultant for SkyBahamas Airlines. Since he joined SkyBah- amas in 2009 he has held positions of increasing responsibility in sales & marketing, train- ing, customer experience and Corporate and Governmental Relations. Previously, he spent more than a decade in various key administrative roles in the Bahamian Educational and Commercial sectors. Romer has academic and professional certifications from The College of The Bahamas, University of the West Indies, James Madison University and Nova University. He is among an elite group of Certified Professional Managers.

A community man, he has served on numerous government, civic and professional boards and entities, and has a proven track record as a contributor to national development.

"Kenneth brings a record of performance and service to his new role," said Robin. "I'm confident his strong industry knowledge, terrific aviation relationships and reputation for sales leadership will help him drive market share growth and enhanced customer satisfaction results throughout the Bahamas, the Caribbean region and beyond."

About SkyVantage

SkyVantage Corporation offers industry-leading products and services, consulting and reservation system hosting that specializes in helping airlines reduce operating costs, maximize revenue and efficiently manage their business. Its airline applications use the latest technology to help airlines reduce operating costs, maximize revenue and manage distribution, reservations, and operations functions.

The SkyVantage Airline Management System (SVAMS) is a complete airline reservations and management system that leverages real-time, pure-internet architecture with no code on the client technologies. It has enabled what SkyVantage calls the Real-Time SVAMS. It allows airlines to connect people directly to business pro-cesses, eliminating interme- diaries, inside and outside the airline. It creates unprecedented efficiency and lowers costs. It provides airlines with an unmatched competitive

advantage. The Real-Time SVAMS sets the standard for airline performance in the 21st century, and SkyVantage is at the forefront of enabling airlines to make this model a reality.

(Updates with company comment in second paragraph.)

Jan. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Absa Group Ltd., the South African bank controlled by Barclays Plc, said Chief Operating Officer Alfie Naidoo resigned and two other executives will leave the company.

The changes offer the lender “the opportunity to transition the Absa executive committee portfolios toward a more customer-focused leadership structure,” Maria Ramos, head of Johannesburg-based Absa, said in a statement today.

Happy Ntshingila, 52, chief marketing and communications officer, is leaving Absa at the end of February, while Daphne Motsepe, 53, chief executive of unsecured lending, will be retiring at the end of April, Ramos said.

There were six senior resignations from the bank in 2009, the year that Ramos joined Absa. A “new look” executive committee was formed by 2010, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Louis von Zeuner said at the time. Gavin Opperman, who was the head of retail banking, resigned a year later amid another management shuffle that had Absa combining its retail and business divisions and making Motsepe’s role redundant.

Bobby Malabie was named as head of the combined retail and business banking unit last year and the roles of Naidoo, 42, and Ntshingila “will be incorporated into the portfolios of other executive committee members,” Ramos said in the statement.

Absa denied a report earlier today by the Johannesburg- based Sowetan newspaper that said the lender will cut more than 1,000 jobs at its computer-services division.

Absa plans to reduce duplication and will consult “all relevant stakeholders,” the company said in a separate statement. “We’re not in any mass retrenchment process.”

TIAA-CREF Hires an Ex-GEAM Exec as COO

TIAA-CREF [profile] has tapped former GE Asset Management CEO Ronald Pressman as its chief operating officer. The post is newly created. Pressman will start at TIAA-CREF on January 30 and report to CEO Roger Ferguson.

Bloomberg and Reuters are among the media outlets that picked up on the news.

Pressman spent 32 years at General Electric, where he held leadership posts in the asset management space and other sectors. Most recently, he was president and CEO of GE Capital Real Estate.

His earlier roles included serving as president and CEO of GE Asset Management, CEO of GE Energy Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia and general manager for GE International's Central and Eastern European markets.

    TIAA-CREF Names Ron Pressman Chief Operating Officer

    GE veteran to drive strategy, enhance operations

    TIAA-CREF, a leading financial services provider, today announced the appointment of Ronald Pressman as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Pressman, a 32-year veteran of General Electric, will report to TIAA-CREF Chief Executive Officer Roger Ferguson and start on January 30, 2012.

    In this newly created role, Pressman will drive the company's strategic vision and operational excellence in order to enhance growth, execute business plans and deliver high-quality products and services to clients. He will partner closely with the executive management team to further improve performance, strengthen integration, help maintain financial stability and lead new business initiatives to build upon the company's well-established leadership position in the not-for-profit sector.

    "Ron's experience building and leading businesses will accelerate our efforts to capitalize on the sizeable market opportunities in front of us," said Chief Executive Officer Roger Ferguson. "He brings additional strength to the leadership bench to ensure we provide the best service to our clients, while helping drive growth and efficiencies."

    Ferguson added, "Our customers rely on us to help meet their complex and evolving financial needs across all life stages. This challenges us to innovate, provide new services and invest wisely. Ron’s vision, industry knowledge and customer focus will be tremendous assets as we continue to help build the financial well-being of the 3.7 million customers at the 15,000 institutions we serve."

    During his tenure at GE, Pressman amassed broad and deep leadership experience in the financial services, real estate, asset management and insurance industries. He most recently served as president and CEO of GE Capital Real Estate and as director of the GE Capital Services and GE Capital Corporation boards. Previously, he served as president and CEO of GE Asset Management and chairman, president and CEO of GE Employers Reinsurance Group. Pressman also held global leadership positions including serving as the CEO of GE Energy Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia and the general manager for GE International’s Central and Eastern European markets.

    "As the son of two educators who entrusted TIAA-CREF with their retirement savings, I have personally witnessed this company’s investment strength, dedicated service and mission to help those who serve others achieve financial well-being," said Ron Pressman. "TIAA-CREF has a strong track record of success and a great future ahead. There is no place I'd rather be given my prior experiences than right here helping to lead this company as we embark on the next phase of our future."

    Pressman is a charter trustee of Hamilton College and holds leadership positions in various philanthropic organizations, serving as the chairman of the National Board of A Better Chance and a director of Pathways to College. During his time abroad, he also chaired the U.K.-based youth mentoring program, Roots and Wings.

    Pressman currently serves as a director of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited. He is a graduate of Hamilton College and will be based in TIAA-CREF's New York City office.

    About TIAA-CREF

    TIAA-CREF (www.tiaa-cref.org) is a national financial services organization with $464 billion in assets under management (as of 12/31/11) and is the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields.

    TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., members FINRA, distribute securities products. Annuity contracts and certificates are issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), New York, NY.

Micron Technology Announces Retirement of Mark Durcan as President and Chief Operating Officer

Mark Adams, Vice President of Worldwide Sales, to Succeed Mr. Durcan as President and Chief Operating Officer

BOISE, Idaho, Jan 26, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Micron Technology, Inc., announced today that D. Mark Durcan, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be retiring at the completion of Micron's current fiscal year at the end of August 2012.

Mr. Durcan joined Micron in 1984 and was named the company's Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Technology Officer in June 1997. He was appointed COO in February 2006 and as the company's President in June 2007.

"For the past 28 years Mark has played an integral role in the company's growth and success," said Steve Appleton, Micron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We appreciate his willingness to serve through the remainder of the fiscal year to ensure a smooth transition of his duties to his successor. We will miss Mark's leadership and guidance, and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Mark W. Adams, the company's Vice President of Worldwide Sales, will succeed Mr. Durcan as President and Chief Operating Officer upon Mr. Durcan's retirement. Mr. Adams was the Chief Operating Officer of Lexar Media, Inc. (Lexar) at the time of Micron's acquisition of Lexar in June 2006. He was appointed as Micron's Vice President of Worldwide Sales in July 2008. Mr. Adams holds a bachelor's in Economics from Boston College and a master's in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Through its worldwide operations, Micron manufactures and markets a full range of DRAM, NAND and NOR flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products. Micron's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the MU symbol. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc., visit www.micron.com .

The Micron Technology, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6950

Micron and the Micron orbit logo are trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Micron Technology, Inc.

        CONTACT:  Daniel Francisco
        Media Relations
        dfrancisco@micron.com
        (208) 368-5584

The Tesco-owned video-on-demand service, Blinkbox, is heavily investing in expanding its technical team as it moves to put its service onto additional devices and platforms, including Sony PlayStation.

Adrian Letts, chief operating officer at Blinkbox, told Marketing that moving the service onto mobile phones "is definitely something we continue to explore".

He said: "We would like to launch on lots of platforms and Sony PlayStation would definitely be one. We actually have a proposition at the moment that you can access our programming through the browser on Sony PlayStation, but coming onto deck is definitely something we would love to do."

Blinkbox is already available on iPads, PCs, Macs, Xbox, LG and Samsung smart televisions.

It has three million monthly users and operates a part paid-for, part ad-funded model.

It offers more than 9,000 movie titles to rent or buy, in addition to free-to-view movies, TV shows and trailers.

Letts admits the current Blinkbox proposition is more suited to television rather than mobile phones.

He said: "It will be interesting to see how people adopt the proposition. If your focus is delivering latest release, high-quality movies, it's quite challenging to do on a screen the size of a phone – I would love to deliver it if there is demand."

There is still space in the movie-streaming market despite the recent entry by US giant Netflix, according to Letts.

He explained: "The difference between us, Netflix and Lovefilm, which I do think are very competitive, is that we are focused on latest-release DVDs and we are not a subscription model, and we are focused on delivering the best customer experience."

Tesco bought an 80% stake in Blinkbox for "single-digit millions" in April last year and hopes to take full control of the company within 12 months.

Letts insists Tesco taking full control will not affect the direction of Blinkbox.

He said: "There is no intention to take away the Blinkbox brand or change the modus operandi – we are only looking to enhance it."

Blinkbox: targeting additonal platforms including Sony PlayStation

Silvestro Morabito has been appointed to the new position of Chief Operations Officer food & grocery with grocery wholesaler and IGA brand parent Metcash.

Andrew Reitzer Metcash, group CEO, said that during a time when retail trading continues to pose difficulties, the creation of a COO food & grocery will allow the company to “realise synergies within the company and more easily seize growth opportunities as they arise”.

“Consumers want to have the choice of where to shop and with whom, many Australians want to continue to shop locally in stores that are family owned and operated. Our new COO’s primary focus will be protecting and developing the independent grocery sector.”

Reitzer says that the new role will involve Morabito in driving forward the growth of the independent stores as quickly as possible. The appointment will take place with imediate effect.

Kaiser Permanente's president and chief operating officer to lead prestigious Fortune 500 senior leadership group

OAKLAND. Calif., Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Bernard Tyson, president and chief operating officer of Kaiser Permanente, has been named chair of The Executive Leadership Council- a preeminent organization composed of African-American senior executives from the nation's Fortune 500 corporations that recognizes the strengths, success, contributions and impact of African-American business leaders. His term as chair runs through December 31, 2013.

"As chair, my role is to harness the collective energy and intellect of the ELC for the benefit of corporate America," Tyson said. "We must continue our focus on increasing the presence of highly qualified, capable and competent African-Americans at the CEO level or one to two levels below and on the boards of publicly-traded companies."

Tyson succeeds Jessica Isaacs of Marsh, Inc., who chaired the organization from 2009-2011. "Under Jessica's watch, the ELC entered a new era of visibility. She helped increase membership by more than 125 new members and spearheaded the enhancements to our overall board governance, member value proposition and was instrumental in the hiring of the ELC's new CEO, Arnold W. Donald, among other successes," said Tyson. "Her efforts have had a profound impact on the future of the organization and I am proud to continue the momentum."

As president and COO of Kaiser Permanente, Tyson is responsible for the organization's operations, and, working with his team of senior executives, oversees all health plan and hospital functions. Under his leadership is a workforce of 167,000 employees. Tyson and his team partner with the Permanente Medical Groups, which contract exclusively with Kaiser Permanente, to deliver on the mission of providing high-quality, affordable health care for 8.9 million members and to improve the health of those members and the communities served.

"Bernard is an extremely effective leader with a demonstrated track record of achievement through collaboration, inclusion, and acceptance," said George C. Halvorson, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente. "His methods have produced very powerful outcomes within Kaiser Permanente. I am certain he will bring the same spirit to the ELC."

Tyson has been recognized for his work both within and outside of health care. In 2010 he was named one of the 25 most influential African-Americans in health care by Black Health magazine, and one of the top 25 minority executives in the nation by Modern Healthcare. In 2007 Golden Gate University in San Francisco recognized him as "Alumnus of the Year." In 2001 he received the NAACP's Freedom Fund Award.

Tyson serves on the board of the American Heart Association and Occidental College in Los Angeles. He is actively engaged in many philanthropic and community-based events and supports numerous charitable activities.

"We welcome Bernard's energy, enthusiasm and leadership as chair of The Executive Leadership Council's Board of Directors," said Arnold W. Donald, president and CEO of The Council. "Bernard has been a very active member for many years, and we look forward to benefiting from his knowledge, creativity and guidance as we advance our efforts to increase African-American leadership at the most senior levels and on the boards of America's largest corporations."

About The Executive Leadership CouncilThe Executive Leadership Council is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation founded in 1986, providing African- American executives of major U.S. companies with a professional network and forum to offer perspective and direction on national and international business and public policy issues. Our programs develop future business leaders, filling the pipeline from the classroom to the boardroom. It is the preeminent organization that recognizes the strengths, success, contributions, and impact of African-American corporate business leaders. Council members - more than 450 executives, more than one-third of them women - represent more than 280 Fortune 500 corporations. For more information, please visit http://www.elcinfo.com .

About Kaiser PermanenteKaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We serve approximately 8.9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

For more informationFarra Levin, farra.r.levin@kp.org, 510-267-7364Michael Dutton, mdutton@elcinfo.com, 202-246-7188

Leap Wireless CFO Walter Berger has resigned for another tech-sector job; Oriental Financial Group CFO Norberto González will become chief risk officer, and COO Ganesh Kumar will succeed him; Azure Dynamics named an interim CFO to succeed outgoing finance chief Ryan Carr.

Harvest Operations Corp. announced that effective January 23, 2012 Mr. Robert A. Pearce has been appointed COO of the Company. Mr. Pearce will report to the recently appointed CEO, Mr. Myunghuhn Yi.

Mr. Pearce joined Harvest last year as Vice President, Corporate Development & Treasurer. He has become a valuable member of Harvest's senior management team with over 25 years of technical and business experience within the areas of corporate development, general management, debt and equity finance, strategy and planning. Mr. Pearce has an undergraduate degree in Geological Engineering and an MBA in Finance.

"We are pleased to appoint Rob to the position of COO of Harvest," said Dr. Seong-Hoon Kim, Chairman of the Board. "His experience, business skills and energy are tremendous additions to Harvest's management team."

RACINE, Wis., Jan 27, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Modine Manufacturing Company MOD  -1.71% today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Thomas F. Marry to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 26, 2012. In his new role, Marry will report to Thomas Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer, and will be responsible for Modine's global operations, Purchasing and Information Technology organizations.

Marry, 50, has been with Modine for 14 years and has held a variety of management positions, including Director of the North American Engine Group; General Manager, Truck Division; Director, Global PTC; Vice President -- Asia & CPG; and most recently, Executive Vice President -- Europe, Asia and CPG. His previous experience includes multiple roles with General Motors, Robert Bosch and Milwaukee Electric Tool, in both the United States and Europe. Tom has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

"Tom is a proven leader, someone fully capable of assuming this significant leadership position, and leading Modine's organization in the continuous improvement of our business operations and the consistent execution of our business processes," said Thomas A. Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I am looking forward to working closely with him in this new capacity."

About Modine

With fiscal 2011 revenues of $1.4 billion, Modine Manufacturing Company specializes in thermal management systems and components, bringing highly engineered heating and cooling technology and solutions to diversified global markets. Our products are used in light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles; agricultural, construction and industrial equipment; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems; and alternative energy systems. We employ approximately 6,800 people at 27 facilities in 14 countries. Our company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MOD. For more information, please visit www.modine.com.

SOURCE: Modine Manufacturing Company

        Modine Manufacturing Company
        Brian J. Agen, 262-636-1351
        b.j.agen@na.modine.com

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan 27, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- LipoScience, Inc., an in vitro diagnostic company advancing patient care by developing high value proprietary clinical tests using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, today announced that Timothy J. Fischer has been named Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Fischer joined LipoScience in 2010 as Vice President of Research and Development. In his new role, Mr. Fischer will oversee research and development, commercial operations and medical affairs.

"In a very short time, Tim has helped shape our corporate strategy and our culture. He has enhanced our ability to effectively achieve our goals with the collective effort of cross-functional teams," said Richard O. Brajer, Chief Executive Officer of LipoScience. "His leadership will be essential in achieving our core strategies of market conversion, platform expansion and changing the clinical standard of care."

With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Fischer is a recognized leader in the in vitro diagnostics industry. He has extensive familiarity in the design, development and commercialization of over 90 products in the fields of hematology, oncology and pathology. Prior to joining LipoScience, Mr. Fischer most recently served as Vice President of Development for the women's health and cancer business at Becton Dickinson. During his career, he has been granted more than 35 patents, has authored numerous publications and has successfully brought several novel technologies and assays to the clinical market. Mr. Fischer has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Indiana University.

Mr. Fischer added, "Our flagship product, the NMR LipoProfile(R) test, will potentially drive a paradigm shift in cardiovascular management and treatment and our technology platform may pave the way for a new generation of fully automated clinical metabolomic assays. I am excited to help lead this important effort."

About LipoScience, Inc.

LipoScience, Inc. is an in vitro diagnostic company committed to advancing patient care in cardiovascular, metabolic and other diseases using an innovative and proprietary technology platform based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. Our first diagnostic test, the NMR LipoProfile(R) test, measures the number of low density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) in a blood sample and provides physicians and their patients with actionable information to personalize management of risk for heart disease. To date, over 6.5 million NMR LipoProfile tests have been ordered by clinicians. For further information on the Company, please visit www.liposcience.com and www.theparticletest.com .

SOURCE: LipoScience, Inc.
       
        Schwartz MSL
        Ben Navon/Kristen Perry, 781-684-0770
        liposcience@schwartzmsl.com
        or
        LipoScience, Inc.
        Tori Hall, 919-256-1046
        tori.hall@liposcience.com

(Updates with share price in last paragraph.)

Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Micron Technology Inc., the largest U.S. maker of computer-memory chips, said Chief Operating Officer Mark Durcan will retire at the end of August.

Durcan, who joined Micron in 1984, was promoted to his current position in 2006, the Boise, Idaho-based company said today in a statement. He also has served as the company’s president. Durcan will be replaced by Micron’s head of sales, Mark Adams, who previously worked as chief operating officer of Lexar Media Inc. when Micron bought it in 2006.

Micron last month reported its second consecutive quarterly loss, citing the falling price of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, which serves as the main memory in personal computers. Demand also has been hurt by last year’s floods in Thailand, which left PC makers short of hard-disk drives, forcing them to cut purchases of other components.

Durcan, 50, is retiring and not leaving for another position, said Dan Francisco, a company spokesman.

Micron shares fell 3.9 percent to $7.55 at the close of trading in New York, before the announcement. The stock has increased 20 percent this year.

J. Mendel President and Chief Operating Officer Susan Sokol to Receive Top Honor from City of Hope, May 14

NEW YORK, Jan. 26. 2012 --  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fashion industry leader and philanthropist Susan Sokol will receive The Spirit of Life® Award at City of Hope's Spring Luncheon on Monday, May 14, at The Plaza Hotel. City of Hope's East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League will present the fashion industry leader with its top philanthropic honor in recognition of her professional achievements, charitable contributions and personal commitment to the fight against women's cancers.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120126/DC42894)

The fashion show and luncheon will benefit lifesaving research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope. For information, contact Michele DiVeterano at 800-344-8169, mdiveterano@coh.org.

"My personal experience of fighting and surviving breast cancer could not have happened without the extraordinary advances in scientific research and medical treatment at institutions like City of Hope," said Sokol. "I am honored to be recognized by an organization that embodies hope and provides compassionate care to patients and their families."

Sokol is widely considered one of the fashion industry's most distinguished and highly-regarded senior executives. The current president and chief operating officer of J. Mendel, Sokol has served in executive positions for high-profile brands Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Pegasus Apparel Group/Leiber Group, Donna Karan International and Calvin Klein Inc. She has repeatedly taken companies to their next level of success.

Throughout her extraordinary career in the apparel and accessory industry, Sokol has demonstrated compassion and support for a number of local and national charities.  She is a dedicated advocate for women's health and research into women's cancers.

"We're proud to recognize Susan for her business leadership and commitment to raising awareness for women's cancers," said Lisa Kaye Fuld, co-president, East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League. "Her personal story provides hope and inspiration to women who are fighting cancer around the world."

Scientists with City of Hope's Women's Cancers Program are investigating the biology of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers as well as interventions that could reduce cancer risk for all women. Researchers are identifying new treatments and prevention methods. They are also examining issues that affect women with cancer and their families, such as spirituality, the emotional impact of cancer on caregivers, and other quality-of-life issues. To learn more about City of Hope's Women's Cancers Program, visit http://womenscancers.cityofhope.org.

Past honorees of The Spirit of Life Award include Katie Couric, Hoda Kotb, Fran Drescher, Kelly Ripa, Cindy Crawford, Paula Zahn, Mary Tyler Moore, Robin Roberts, Kay Unger, Laura Geller and Elayne "Honey" Cook.

About J. MendelJ. Mendel is a fifth generation company established on the premises of extraordinary luxury, exceptional quality and unparalleled style. Gilles Mendel began his career by apprenticing under his father, Jacques, at the eponymous J. Mendel fur salon in Paris. In 1981, he came to the helm as designer and chief executive officer opening his first J. Mendel boutique at Elizabeth Arden's Fifth Avenue salon. Once established in New York, Mendel quickly became a favorite among the chic set in Manhattan. In 1985, Gilles relocated his fur collections to a boutique at 723 Madison Avenue, which still serves as the company's U.S. flagship.

Continuing in the couture tradition of the house, Gilles Mendel brought the company to the next level with the launch of a full scale ready-to-wear collection in 2002. Today he designs four full collections a year including accessories for this established luxury brand. Combining the highest quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship with a modern design sensibility, Mendel's creations have attracted both critical acclaim and commercial success. The collections embrace luxe-femininity, applying innovative techniques and a Parisian aesthetic to achieve a feeling of effortless elegance.

In 2003, Mendel was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. This year, he will receive the National Design Award for exemplary work in fashion design from the prestigious Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt , National Design Museum.

About City of HopeCity of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Flickr.

CONTACTKatie KornfieldPhone: 800-888-5323kkornfield@coh.org

Jocelyn LevyPhone: 917-658-6452jocelyn.levy@gmail.com

Industry Updates

Todd Hymel appointed Chief Operating Officer of PPR Sport & Lifestyle division

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 26 January, 2012 : - - PPR announces the appointment of Todd Hymel as Chief Operating Officer of the PPR Sport & Lifestyle division. He will be based in Paris and will report directly to Jochen Zeitz, Managing Director of PPR Sport & Lifestyle division.

Todd Hymel will be in charge to supporting the expansion of existing brands and the integration of new brands within the Sport & Lifestyle division, while pursuing the delivery of operational synergies. His expertise and experience gained in the field of Mergers & Acquisitions will help him contribute to grow the PPR Sport & Lifestyle brand portfolio.

A US national, Todd Hymel joined PPR Group in 2008 as Deputy Director of Mergers & Acquisitions, after holding various positions in auditing, consulting and private equity in the USA and in France.

Todd Hymel began his career in audit in 1996 at KPMG in New Orleans. He then served as Senior Manager in KPMG's Transaction Services department in Chicago where he was mainly involved in acquisition and disposal due diligence audits, before being appointed to the Paris office to handle transborder deals.

In 2003, Mr. Hymel joined the European office of Platinum Equity in Paris. In late 2006, he left Platinum Equity to co-found Naxos CapitalPartners, a private equity firm specialized in small- and mid-caps. Todd Hymel joined PPR Group in 2008, as Deputy Director of Mergers & Acquisitions. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Fansteel Inc. as well as the Board of Volcom as of June 2011. Todd Hymel, 38, holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of New Orleans.

PPR announces the appointment of Federico Barbieri as Senior Vice President of E-business, in replacement of Fabien Sfez.

He will be in charge of supporting and speeding up the pace of the digital strategy for PPR Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands, by developing inter-brand synergies and coordinating e-business projects. A former European Manager of Bottega Veneta, Federico Barbieri, an Italian national, enjoys a solid expertise in marketing and new digital technologies, along with excellent knowledge about international scale retail.

Federico Barbieri will keep his current duties at Bottega Veneta, as Worlwide eBusiness & Digital Communication Director.

Throughout his career, Federico Barbieri has gained a solid expertise in marketing and new digital technologies in various business areas. He has worked in the UK, the Netherlands, the USA and Finland, for companies like Nike, Alpargats-Havaianas, Nokia or Mandarina Duck.
A former European Manager of Bottega Veneta, Federico Barbieri will keep his current duties as Worlwide eBusiness & Digital Communication Director of Bottega Veneta, in parallel with his new responsibilities as Senior Vice President of E-business at PPR.

www.volcom.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer here on Friday said it had promoted J.K. Symancyk to the newly created role of chief operating officer for the company, and that it has hired Peter Whitsett to take over Symancyk’s role as executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.
Advertisement
 
“I am extremely pleased to announce this new role for J.K., as well as the addition of Peter Whitsett to the Meijer team,” Hank Meijer, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Meijer, said in a statement. “As we position our company for continued growth, it’s essential that we have the proper structure and talent. This evolution of our leadership team under Mark Murray will help ensure our company’s ongoing success in a very competitive industry.”
 
Symancyk will report directly to Murray, president of Meijer, and will have three direct reports: Janet Emerson, executive vice president of retail operations; Rick Keyes, executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing; and Whitsett.
 
Whitsett most recently served as executive vice president of global merchandising for Dick’s Sporting Goods and has an extensive background in leadership roles with retail brands including Kmart and Radio Shack.

Westminster Group (LON:WSG) has appointed industry veteran Dr Phil G Jackson as the new chief operating officer of its aviation division, Westminster Aviation Security Services Ltd.

Jackson has more than 20 years of experience in leadership positions, specialising in security services for the aviation and maritime sectors worldwide and in the delivery of national security initiatives in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and border security, the protection of critical infrastructure, and global supply chain assurance.

He served 26 years in the British Armed Forces and has worked in official capacities with the US, Middle East and African governments. He currently serves as a director to the International Civil Aviation Organisation Security Council.

Jackson's recent experiences include creating a security plan for Baghdad International Airport to meet US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards.

He implemented a 1,100-man project team including the training of Iraqi police in basic airport and aviation security and developed and initiated the security plan for a 1,500-man project to secure the International Zone (Green Zone) which covered the President's and Prime Minister's offices and all ministerial buildings in Baghdad.

He also worked as senior advisor to the US Department of State on the force protection program for the embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and assembled a training/operations team of military and police experts to work worldwide on operations assisting all types of security.

Jackson has extensive experience with aviation in the Middle East, having served on the Gulf Region Airport Advisory Board for the development of Qatar International Airport in Doha and as a consultant developing and initiating the security plans for Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airports.

He has assisted several African and Latin American countries develop their transportation infrastructure mainly in the aviation sector, developing airport operations, security compliancy and business development for cargo and passengers.

Westminster chief executive Peter Fowler said: "I am extremely pleased to report that Phil is joining us to head up our aviation security business and believe his extensive experience and knowledge of the international aviation security sector will be a valuable asset in our continued growth in this sector. Phil's career summary speaks for itself.

"Westminster provides equipment and services to airports around the world and demand for our services continues to grow and we are currently looking at a number of sizeable project opportunities," he added.

Dr Phil G Jackson has extensive, high-profile experience
in the aviation sector: he created a security plan for
Baghdad International Airport to meet US Transportation
Security Administration standards

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Robert “Bob” Morse as senior vice president and chief operating officer for the Americas region, succeeding Angela Brav who is now president of IHG's Europe region. In his new role with IHG, ...

HAYWARD, Calif., Jan 26, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aurora Algae today announced the appointment of Paul Angelico as Chief Operating Officer. Angelico will oversee operations at the Company's Hayward, Calif. headquarters, as well as its demonstration facility in Karratha, Western Australia. His responsibilities will also include leading the engineering, construction and operations of Aurora Algae's full-scale production facility in Maitland, Western Australia, which is scheduled to break ground in Q4 2012, while spearheading efforts to scale the facility to its maximum capacity. Angelico will play a key role in leading the drive to commercialize the company's algae-based platform for sustainable nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture and renewable energy products.

"We are excited to add Paul to our growing executive team," said Greg Bafalis, CEO of Aurora Algae. "With our Australian demonstration facility hitting production goals and a major commercial plant in the works, Paul's extensive experience in the renewable chemicals, biofuels and food ingredients industries will prove extremely valuable as we scale to meet growing market demands for sustainable algae-based products."

Paul Angelico started his management career in 1978 as Operations Manager at a Procter & Gamble consumer goods manufacturing facility. In 1994, he cofounded Twin Rivers Technologies, which purchased the manufacturing facility from Procter & Gamble, and established an oleochemical refining business operating a 160 million pound refinery. As President and COO, he grew Twin Rivers Technologies in size, production capacity, and profit, serving the oleochemicals, renewable biofuels, and food ingredients markets. The company was sold in 2007 and Paul was retained as President until 2009. From 2009-2011, Angelico was a Principal at management consulting firm The Dover Group. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Angelico will be based in the Company's Hayward, Calif. headquarters, reporting directly to CEO Greg Bafalis. For more information, please contact info@aurorainc.com.

About Aurora Algae

Aurora Algae is a producer of high-performance, premium algae-based products for the pharmaceutical, nutrition, aquaculture and fuels markets. The Company has developed the industry's first commercial-scale photosynthetic platform for sustainable, algae-based product development. Aurora Algae's proprietary algae strains and production process uses arid land, seawater and captured carbon pollution from industrial emitters, resulting in more capitally efficient and more environmentally sustainable algae farming. Aurora Algae enables its customers and partners to improve the diversity and sustainability of their product portfolios, while addressing consumer demand for natural products. For more information, please visit www.aurorainc.com .

SOURCE: Aurora Algae
        
        Schwartz MSL
        Jason Morris, +1-415-512-0770
        Samantha Sok, +1-415-512-0770
        auroraalgae@schwartzmsl.com

Silvestro Morabito has been appointed to the new position of COO food & grocery with grocery wholesaler and IGA brand parent Metcash.

Andrew Reitzer Metcash group CEO, said that during a time when retail trading conditions continue to be difficult, the creation of a COO food & grocery will allow the company to “realise synergies within the company and more easily seize growth opportunities as they arise”.

“This appointment comes at a critical time where Metcash as champions of the independent grocery retailers must play an even greater role ensuring their sustainability,” he said.

“Consumers want to have the choice of where to shop and with whom, many Australians want to continue to shop locally in stores that are family owned and operated. Our new COO’s primary focus will be protecting and developing the independent grocery sector.”

Reitzer says Morabito will be driving the effort into growing the network of independent stores – “getting them what they need as quickly and as efficiently as possible”.

As well as continuing to oversee IGA Distribution, Morabito will assume responsibility for Campbells Wholesale, IGA Fresh, and all food and grocery merchandising and marketing. His appointment takes immediate effect.

Morabito has over 31 years experience in grocery wholesaling and retailing both locally and internationally. He has held senior positions with Safeway in Victoria, Dairy Farm International in both New Zealand and Singapore. Mr Morabito has held a number of senior roles at Metcash including GM WA IGA Distribution and he has been CEO of IGA Distribution since 2010.

Metcash is Australia’s national independent marketing and distribution company specialising in grocery, fresh produce, hardware, liquor and other fast moving consumer goods.

Former USWeb co-founder, President and COO brings 20 years of executive management experience to clean energy leader

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan 26, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SolarCity(R), a national leader in clean energy services, today announced the appointment of Toby Corey as chief revenue officer. Corey, co-founder and former president and chief operating officer of USWeb, Inc., will focus on transforming the ways in which consumers, businesses and government organizations can switch to cleaner energy at a lower cost, through a range of integrated solutions.

"It's rare to find an executive that has such a strong track record in all the markets that SolarCity serves," said Rive. "Toby has a deep passion for the environment and is committed to our continuing mission to make clean energy available at a lower cost than polluting energy."

Corey helped grow USWeb/CKS into the world's largest web development firm, with more than 5,000 employees, a $3 billion market capitalization and 25 percent of the Fortune 100 among its customer base. Prior to USWeb, he served as vice president at Novell's $1.2 billion NetWare systems business. More recently, Corey co-founded and served as CEO of Intend Change, an incubator that launched more than half a dozen companies. Among those was Terravado, a provider of an employee-based environmentally-focused software service, where Corey also served as chairman and CEO.

"SolarCity completes a new clean energy project every 15 minutes of the workday," said Corey. "This is a company that is changing the way we produce and use energy for the better, and I'm excited to be part of it."

Corey actively supports a number of non-profits and charitable organizations, and currently serves on the board of directors of WildlifeDirect.org, Richard Leakey's African Conservation Foundation and NorCal Telehealth, an organization that provides health education to underserved communities. He also teaches a course on entrepreneurship as an adjunct professor for Stanford University.

About SolarCity

SolarCity(R) -- a national leader in solar power design, financing, installation, monitoring and energy efficiency services--was founded with the mission to help homeowners, business and government organizations adopt clean power, protect themselves from rising gas and electricity costs and protect their environment from polluting power sources. The company's service options can make it possible for customers to switch to clean energy for less money than they currently pay for electricity. SolarCity's 25 operations centers serve Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C. Additional information about the company is available on the Web at www.solarcity.com .

SOURCE: SolarCity
       
        SolarCity
        Jonathan Bass, 650-963-5156
        jbass@solarcity.com

Capital Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian T. Cook, FACHE, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

(Tallahassee, FL) - January 26, 2012 -

Capital Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian T. Cook, FACHE, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Cook brings several years of healthcare experience to this role, most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of HCA's Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Prior to that he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Hendersonville Medical Center in Hendersonville, TN.

Cook obtained his Master's Degree in Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance at Florida State University. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a healthcare industry professional organization that also recognized him with the ACHE Early Career Regents Award.

"We are pleased to have Brian join Capital Regional. I believe his past experience and community focus will be tremendous assets to both Capital Regional and the Big Bend Region," said Michael Joyce, President of HCA's North Florida Division.

Cook's first day at Capital Regional will be March 1st. Joining him to establish their home in Tallahassee will be his wife of 13 years, Natalie, whom he met while attending FSU, and their three children, Timothy, Emma, and Jack.

"My family and I are very much looking forward to moving to Tallahassee," said Cook. "Capital Regional has a tremendous future ahead, and I look forward to working with the physicians, employees, and volunteers to continue the hospital's tradition of providing outstanding patient care and serving its community. Having lived in Tallahassee before, I know what a great place it is to raise a family. I'm eager to get settled and become a part of the hospital family as well as the community."

Cook has always believed in community service. He has been actively involved in the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society, as well as several other local civic organizations throughout his career. Most recently, he served as a Board Member of the Tennessee State Board of Respiratory Care. An avid golfer, he was a member of the FSU Varsity Golf Team, and enjoys spending time with his family.

Landry & Kling Appoints Jenny de Borja Account Executive for Strategic Partnerships

MIAMI, Jan 26, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Landry & Kling Inc., pioneering specialists in meetings at sea, incentive cruises, and ship charters, announced that accomplished sales professional Jenny de Borja has joined Landry & Kling, and will serve as the company's new Account Executive for Strategic Partnerships, a newly created position. With more than 15 years of sales management experience working with cruise lines and hotel properties, de Borja is adept at building relationships and helping clients plan successful corporate meetings, conferences, and incentives on land and at sea.

Meeting at sea is one of the fastest-growing markets in meetings procurement. According to PhoCusWright's 2011 report on groups and meetings, the number of planners who intend to use a cruise venue has increased a third since 2009. In this new position, de Borja will support travel management companies, meetings procurement companies and incentive travel specialists, who are seeking cruise sourcing expertise and operational support for all types of events at sea.

From her base in South Florida, the "cruise capital of the world," de Borja will help Landry & Kling's partners meet the increasing number of requests from their clients who are seeking unique, cost-effective meeting venues.

"I am very excited to develop and support strategic partnerships with Landry & Kling," said de Borja. "2012 brings endless opportunities to sell the sea!"

Prior to joining Landry & Kling, de Borja served as Senior Sales Manager for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Previous positions include Regional Sales Manager for Sea Cloud Cruises, and Incentive Sales Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

"We are delighted to welcome Jenny de Borja onboard," said Mark Phillips, COO, Landry & Kling. "Her combined experience in corporate cruises and hotel sales will help bridge the gap between land and sea for our strategic partners."

About Landry & Kling

Landry & Kling Inc., pioneers of meetings-at-sea, provide custom cruise logistics for ship buy-outs, incentive cruises, all kinds of meetings-at-sea, theme cruises and dockside ship charters for global events. For oceans of information, visit www.landrykling.com or call 800-448-9002 to speak with a Cruise Advisor.

SOURCE: Landry & Kling Inc.

       
        Schwartz Communications
        Anne Lundregan, 781-684-0770
        GCH@schwartzcomm.com

MediaCom has named Fernando Emilio Silva (photo) as its new Chief Executive for Latin America. Fernando, who was previously Chairman of Vivaki for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, will join the company March 1st 2012. Before Vivaki, he was Managing Director for OMD International LatAm.

The Argentine national will lead a team across five offices in LatAm. In recent years, the agency has tripled its billings according to RECMA and added numerous high-profile advertisers such as P&G, Time Warner and VW to its client list.

Silva will be tasked with ensuring that Latin American brands deliver on their potential to succeed both locally and globally; he will also help global brands grow across Latin American markets.

Fernando will work closely with Annetta Cembrano, COO for MediaCom LatAm and CEO for MediaCom Chile, who has been leading the region alongside GroupM’s LatAm CEO David Byles since previous MediaCom LatAm CEO Mariano Roman left the company in July 2011.

David Byles, CEO GroupM LatAm, said “Sir Martin Sorrell is famous for having said that ‘This is the decade of Latin America’. As we build on a fantastic growth record for GroupM LatAm, and lead the Group through this exciting future, we are delighted to attract Fernando to lead MediaCom in the region.”

Bill Myers, president and chief operating officer of Starz Entertainment, resigned Wednesday after 10 years with the network, Starz confirmed to TheWrap. No reason was given for his departure.

Myers, who came to the company in May 2002 following a stint as executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of On Command Corporation, had been responsible for Starz's day-to-day operations, including sales, marketing, programming and engineering.

He was promoted to president and chief operating officer from his previous position as executive vice president and chief financial officer in August 2006.

“Bill has contributed greatly in driving Starz’s growth and success," Starz Entertainment president and CEO Chris Albrecht said of the departure. "We are enormously grateful for his 10 years of service and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Starz recently scored a victory with its Kelsey Grammer drama "Boss," when Grammer won a Golden Globe in the Best Actor in a TV Series -- Drama category for his work on the series.

Facebook’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg urged European leaders to focus on growing the economy over privacy regulations in a speech that previewed her message to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland later this week.

While Sandberg’s speech was delivered gently, according to news accounts, the point is reminiscent of the famous U.S. presidential campaign line: “It’s the economy, stupid!”

As a former economist with the World Bank and chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Treasury, Sandberg is a credible messenger.

Her belief that social media can play a role in jump-starting the global economy was previewed in her interview for the World Economic Forum’s blog, where she said that the Facebook “app economy” has generated more than 200,000 U.S. jobs.

The New York Times reports that Sandberg’s remarks at the Digital Life Design conference come as the European Commission prepares to release a draft of privacy regulations restricting how Internet companies can gather, use and store personal data.

The proposed regulations are likely to be more severe than the rules currently in place in the U.S.

Facebook has also had to address the privacy issue in the U.S.

The U.S. Congress continues to grapple with crafting legislation, and the social network recently settled with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission over how the platform uses and stores consumer data. In response, the social network added legal staff to its Washington, D.C., office to manage privacy issues.

There is a legitimate argument to be made for a renewed focus on the economy. Many experts claim that Europe is on the brink of an economic meltdown, which would trigger a global reaction.

Echoing a similar program in the U.S., Sandberg announced in Munich that the company would provide Facebook ad credits worth 100 euros for 50,000 small businesses.

The program reinforces Facebook’s economic message and could deflect some attention from the privacy debate.

Sandberg is the first Facebook executive to co-chair the World Economic Forum in Davos that kicks-off this week.

Continuing the economic theme, the company just named a few of the guests that will participate in Facebook Live interviews from Davos, including International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

Do you agree with Facebook that Europe should focus on the economy over privacy?

n 26 (Reuters) - Patrick Markey, Singapore-based chief operating officer of globalCOAL, a screen-based trading platform and voice brokerage, has resigned, Chief Executive Officer Eoghan Cunningham said on Thursday.

Markey had been with globalCOAL since its inception. (Reporting by Jacqueline Cowhig, editing by Jane Baird)

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Kum & Go Chief Operating Officer Dennis N. Folden today announced his plans to retire from the company later this summer, saying that after more than four decades at Kum & Go, he felt the timing was perfect.

“I have been honored to serve Kum & Go for more than 40 years. The future of this company is strong and it is in the best possible position. There is a talented leadership team in place. This decision was not taken lightly. But, I wanted to embark upon new endeavors at this point in my life,” said Folden.

He went on to say, “I have truly enjoyed my time at Kum & Go. We have great teamwork and caring here. This company has a strong history and keen focus on taking care of the customer. There’s a level of passion for retail that is truly special. I feel fortunate to have worked with so many incredible people and three generations of the Krause and Gentle families.”

After Folden shared his plans, Kum & Go President and CEO Kyle J. Krause had these words for associates.
“As many of you know, I strongly value the close working relationship that Dennis and I have developed over the years. Dennis is choosing to leave Kum & Go at the height of his career. He has been instrumental in driving the strategic direction of the company and positioning us for growth. His legacy at Kum & Go will be his passion for retail and operations, not to mention his drive for the highest level of customer service.”

Krause went on to say, “Dennis has developed and mentored an incredible number of individuals throughout our organization. We are deeply appreciative for Dennis’ dedication and contributions to Kum & Go.”

Folden first joined Kum & Go in November 1970 as a part-time retail associate who saw early on the full potential of the company. He quickly gained the respect of the co-founders Tony Gentle and Bill Krause, as well as Kyle Krause. Folden has had a successful career path progressing through the ranks of Kum & Go. He advanced to the positions of sales manager, general manager and supervisor. Following that, he spent time leading Kum & Go’s operations, marketing and real estate departments. He later was named senior vice president of marketing.  He was Kum & Go’s executive vice president prior to being promoted to COO in 2005.

Folden also is an active and dedicated community business leader. By combining his personal passions with that of Kum & Go, Folden has been a dedicated leader not only within the convenience store company, but throughout the communities it serves. Currently, Folden volunteers his time to Hope Lutheran Church Missions Board and the Cambio Breakfast Club.

Kum & Go is planning a special event later this summer to recognize Folden for his four decades of service. An internal and external search is being launched for a new chief operating officer. Folden plans to work closely with Kum & Go to ensure a timely and smooth transition.

GSF Mortgage COO earns spot in magazine’s '40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40' list

BROOKFIELD - GSF Mortgage Chief Operating Officer Chad Jampedro has been selected as one of the "40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40" spotlighting young leaders in the current issue of National Mortgage Professional Magazine.

Jampedro was chosen to be a part of the elite 40 for "changing the lending industry and the landscape of what a mortgage professional is and does," as cited in the December 2011 issue of the magazine. He is also recognized for transitioning the broker-based production company from an $11 million company to a full-scale mortgage banker with production at $70 million.

Beginning his career with GSF Mortgage in 2001 as a loan originator, Jampedro credits GSF Mortgage founders, Jim Guzanick and Phil Siebert, for giving him the opportunity to grow.

"GSF has extremely forward-thinking ownership," Jampedro said.

Jampedro added, "I am pleased to be included among the other accomplished and innovative individuals on the list. I am especially proud to be associated with the National Mortgage Professional Magazine."

To learn more about the list and the magazine, visit http://mim.io/703712.

Chad Jampedro

MediaCom UK has moved to fill its vacant chief operating officer role with the appointment of Josh Krichefski.

Krichefski moves from his current role of COO for MediaCom EMEA to take up the UK post when the outgoing COO, Steve Bignell, leaves the agency to join ITV as its sales director in March.

Krichefski will be responsible for managing specialist divisions such as MediaCom Beyond Advertising and developing relationships with clients, as well as playing an active role in new business. He will also lead MediaCom's Technology Council. He will report to the chief executive, Karen Blackett.

Before joining MediaCom in July 2010, Krichefski was the global director of client development at Havas Digital.

Blackett said: "Josh stands head and shoulders above the rest. He will work brilliantly with the managing partners and is a top-class media practitioner – he's my Roy Keane in the team."

Josh Krichefski: taking
up MediaCom UK COO post

Stanford Hospital & Clinics has hired a new chief operating officer (COO), effective Feb. 13.

Margaret Vosburgh, who previously served as COO for Tufts Medical Center in Boston, will replace Daniel Ginsburg, who is moving back to the East Coast to explore other options.

“Margaret brings a world of talent and energy, along with an impressive track record in academic medical centers and health systems,” said CEO Amir Dan Rubin in a press release. “We are delighted to have her join our team.”

“The opportunity to work with Amir and the faculty and staff at Stanford was so enticing,” Vosburgh said in the same press release. “The intellectual capital at Stanford is staggering and, when harnessed, all things are possible and all goals attainable.”

Prior to serving at Tufts University, Vosburgh was the deputy executive director and COO of Long Island Jewish Hospital. She earned her MBA from University of Southern California and has taught at the University of California, Los Angeles and University of Washington.

Company names other key executive positions

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan 26, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Republic Airways RJET+0.02% today announced that David Siegel will join the Company as CEO, President, and interim Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. Siegel's appointment is another step towards the goal of making Frontier Airlines a viable, strong and independent business. Siegel and the entire Frontier executive team will be based at Frontier's headquarters in Denver, Colo.

Siegel comes to Frontier with a wealth of relevant CEO experience. Siegel previously served as CEO of XOJET, gategroup, US Airways and Avis Budget, in addition to other key leadership roles in the airline industry. Siegel served as lead independent director on the Republic Airways (RAH) Board of Directors and will give up that role, but will remain on the board in this new position.

"Dave is an incredible talent with the skills to lead Frontier during its separation process from Republic and continue its transformation into a profitable ultra-low-cost-carrier," said Bryan Bedford, Chairman, President and CEO of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. "We believe that Dave's combination of travel industry and restructuring experience makes him uniquely well suited for the task at hand. Placing Frontier in Dave's capable care affords me the opportunity to fully focus my time and energy on the regional airline segment of our business."

Republic also announced the addition of new senior officers for Frontier's finance and commercial team, among other changes in the executive leadership team.

Robert Ashcroft has joined Frontier as Senior Vice President, Finance. Ashcroft will work closely with Siegel and Bedford in the project of moving Frontier towards independence, as well as defining opportunities to ensure profitable growth for the Company. Ashcroft has an unusually diverse background encompassing finance, planning and IT. Most recently he was at Allegiant Travel Company overseeing network and capacity planning, scheduling, pricing and investor relations.

Daniel Shurz has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President, Commercial for Frontier and will have responsibility for all commercial activities, including network planning, pricing and revenue management, marketing, product and brand definition. Daniel joined Frontier as Vice President of Strategy and Planning in 2009.

Greg Aretakis is assuming an expanded role as Vice President of Network and Revenue Management, adding responsibility for scheduling and planning, sales and distribution to his current portfolio. Greg previously served as the Company's Vice President of Revenue Production.

Dan Krause has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience for Frontier. Dan has been with Frontier since 2004 and most recently served as Senior Director, Commercial Strategy and Customer Experience.

About Republic Airways Holdings, Inc.

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively "the airlines." The airlines offer scheduled passenger service on nearly 1,500 flights daily to 132 cities in 43 states, The Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico under branded operations at Frontier, and through fixed-fee airline services agreements with five major U.S. airlines. The fixed-fee flights are operated under an airline partner brand, such as AmericanConnection, Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ approximately 10,000 aviation professionals and operate 269 aircraft.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Republic Airways Holdings's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the summary of risk factors contained in our earnings release.

SOURCE: Republic Airways

        
        Republic Airways Holdings
        Media Contact:
        media@rjet.com
        or
        Investor Relations Contact:
        Margaret Miller, 317-246-2628
        Margaret.miller@rjet.com

(RTTNews.com) - InterContinental Hotels Group plc (IHG.L, IHG)) said Wednesday that it has appointed Robert Morse as senior vice president and chief operating officer for the Americas region, succeeding Angela Brav who is now president of the company's Europe region.

Morse will join IHG in February from Noble Investment Group, a lodging and hospitality investment organization, where he most recently served as managing principal and chief operating officer. For the past seven years, he was responsible for Noble's hotel management group, which prior to its October 2011 merger with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, operated more than 60 properties including full and select service hotels with annual management revenues of about $350 million.

PPR has appointed Todd Hymel in the newly created role of chief operating officer of the company's sport and lifestyle division.

The company, which owns the Puma and Volcom brands, among others, said today (25 January) that Hymel will be in charge of supporting the expansion of existing brands and the integration of new brands within the division, while pursuing the delivery of operational synergies.

Hymel joined the company as deputy director of mergers and acquisitions after holding various positions in auditing, consulting and private-equity in the US and France.

The company also announced that Federico Barbieri will become vice president of e-business, replacing Fabien Sfez. PPR said he will be in charge of supporting and speeding up the pace of the digital strategy for the company's luxury, sport and lifestyle brands by developing inter-brand synergies and co-ordinating e-business projects.

He was previously European manager of Bottega Veneta. PPR said he has "solid expertise" in marketing and new digital technologies, with "excellent knowledge" of international scale retail. He will keep his current duties at Bottega Veneta as worldwide eBusiness and digital communication director.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe (LMIE) has appointed John McCammon as COO, who will be based in London.

In his role, McCammon will be responsible for LMIE's Continental Europe division.

McCammon, who replaces Patrick O'Brien, will report to LMIE's CEO Sean Rocks.

With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, McCammon had recently served as the head of Claims for LMIE.

O'Brien has been moved to take up the role of CEO of Liberty Insurance in Ireland.

Rocks said that John has a great depth of experience across a wide range of insurance lines. I know he will bring the same degree of professionalism and expertise to the COO role that he demonstrated so effectively while transforming their Claims function into one of the best in the London market.

Michael O'Hanlon Joins CRE Investment Management Firm as EVP

Behringer Harvard hired Michael J. O'Hanlon as an executive vice president of the firm and as CEO and president of Behringer Harvard Opportunity REITs I and II. He took the place of Robert S. (Bob) Aisner who was tapped as vice chairman of the REITs.

O'Hanlon has more than three decades of industry experience with a background in asset management, corporate and loan restructuring and capital markets. He formerly served on the board of BH REIT II and as an audit committee member. O'Hanlon’s background also includes the titles of COO and president of Billingsley Co., four years as chief of Inland Western Retail REIT Inc. and four years leading Grubb & Ellis Co.’s Midwestern region. The Columbia University and Fordham University grad also held management positions at Insignia/ESG, Cushman & Wakefield and The Balcor Co.

"We stand to benefit tremendously from Michael's professional experience in operating public, non-traded alternative investment programs as well as his expertise in many other facets of real estate management. We're confident that Michael's strong leadership will be particularly beneficial to our opportunity-style investment programs," said Aisner, CEO and president of Behringer Harvard.

Mark V. Petersen also joined the company as head of distribution--retail. Petersen has been a member of the securities community for more than 25 years. He joined Behringer after 15 years with CNL Financial Group where he was senior vice president of market development and led the launch of its business development company. The Baylor University alum also served at Equus in Houston and VMS Realty in Chicago.

"(Mark) brings to this role deep experience in retail distribution, extensive relationships with industry-leading broker-dealers, and product development expertise that will be valuable to us as we continue to grow and expand our alternative investments platform," said Frank Muller, executive vice president and head of distribution for BH.

Addison, TX-based Behringer Harvard creates and manages institutional-quality investment programs for investors through its REITs, joint ventures and program structures. The company oversees assets in 27 states and nine countries.

By Andis Robeznieks University of Kansas Hospital CFO Scott Glasrud has been appointed executive vice president and COO of the Chicago-based University HealthSystem Consortium effective May 1. Glasrud, 56, will replace Roberta Graham, who is retiring ...

Universal Music UK Chairman and CEO David Joseph has announced the promotion of Island Records' SVP David Sharpe to Chief Operating Officer of Universal Music UK, reporting to him.

The newly-created position will see Sharpe, who has played a key role in Island's success in his eight years with the label, work closely with Joseph with a broad remit encompassing all Universal Music UK's labels and business units. He will also be looking further afield to develop new commercial opportunities for the UK's leading music company.

At Island, Sharpe progressed from Finance Director to Commercial Director and most recently Senior Vice-President. Alongside his responsibility for finance, sales, pricing, catalogue and digital, he has helped the label become a leader in setting up artist webshops, ticketing deals and other direct-to-consumer initiatives, including Tinchy Stryder's Star In The Hood which he helped nurture from bedroom business to the High Street.

Prior to joining Island in 2003, Sharpe was Finance Director of UMTV and Catalogue, having joined Universal Music in 2001 as Finance and Planning Director. Previously he was head of business support for Virgin Records UK and also spent a year in the mid-Nineties as Director of Marketing Support for Capitol Records in LA. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in Dublin.

David Joseph says: "David has time and again demonstrated his entrepreneurial approach, which will be of huge benefit to our artists, labels and all aspects of our company in his new role."

Universal Music Group's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Boyd Muir says: "David is a very commercially minded and operational finance guy, who is well equipped to tackle the dynamic changes affecting the music industry. I look forward to working with him in his new role."

David Sharpe says: "I am delighted to be taking on this role and to be working more closely with David and Boyd. These are very exciting and challenging times in the music business and I'm looking forward to helping to grow Universal Music's business."

Universal Music UK's Chief Financial Officer David Bryant has decided to leave the business to pursue new opportunities. David Joseph says: "I'd like to thank David Bryant who has been so integral to the business and for the huge contribution he has made in his 17 years as part of the senior team at Universal Music."

Media boutique Wiggin has appointed John Banister as its first non-lawyer chief executive and admitted him to the partnership.

Banister had previously been chief operating officer of the firm and had been responsible for strategic, financial and management matters.

Prior to joining Wiggin, Bannister had held positions at Merrill Lynch, KPMG and Linklaters.

---------------------------------------------

It is believed that the firm plans to take advantage of the recently enacted Legal Services Act (LSA) by converting to an alternative business structure (ABS).

The SRA has received 65 applications from firms looking to convert to an ABS in its first two weeks of taking submissions (19 January 2012).

Yesterday Liverpool firm Silverbeck Rymer launched its bid to become the first law firm to be acquired by a listed company after Quindell Portfolio announced it had agreed to pay almost £20m for the firm (24 January 2012).

Quindell has plans to build a portfolio of personal injury services. Its deal with Silverbeck Rymer comes just a month after it bought out medicolegal agency Mobile Doctors.

Today the company took a 29.9 per cent shareholding in claims management company Ai Claims Solutions and further deals are expected.

“Ai Claims Solutions broadens our overall proposition in insurance, legal services and associated medical reports, and accident management,” said Quindell chief executive Rob Terry.

IRVING, Texas, Jan 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- After more than 10 years as chief operating officer at MedSynergies Inc., the leading provider of hospital-physician alignment solutions, Frank Marshall has been named president of the company. J.R. Thomas, chief executive officer of MedSynergies, made the announcement, also expanding the executive team to accommodate the needs of the company's growth over the past year.

"Frank has demonstrated great ability in managing MedSynergies' day-to-day business operations for more than a decade as COO," said Thomas. "This experience, and his talent working with existing and prospective clients, makes him the natural choice to serve as president of our growing company. The board of directors and I were pleased to make this appointment."

Marshall, who will retain his COO title, will help steer MedSynergies at a monumental time. Last year, the company nearly doubled its workforce and further expanded its national client roster, becoming one of the fastest growing private healthcare companies. As president, Marshall will further cultivate his solid relationships with clients and prospects, while continuing to oversee operations for MedSynergies.

Prior to joining MedSynergies, Marshall was vice president of planning and control at The Associates Financial Services Company, Inc., where he was responsible for financial analysis, financial reporting and accounting. He holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary's Graduate School of Business and a bachelor's degree in economics from The University of Texas at Austin.

About MedSynergies Inc.

MedSynergies partners with health care organizations and physicians to align their operations by providing revenue cycle management, practice management, consulting services, business process analysis and software integration solutions. Leveraging its knowledge and experience in hospital-physician alignment, MedSynergies improves processes, optimizes technology and builds on trusted patient relationships, enabling hospitals and physician practices to offer quality health care. Founded in 1996, MedSynergies is privately held and headquartered in Irving, Texas. MedSynergies currently partners with hospitals and health networks and serves more than 7,400 providers across the United States. For more information, please visit www.medsynergies.com .

SOURCE: MedSynergies Inc.

       
        for MedSynergies Inc.
        Ariel Herr, 214-890-7912 x23
        aherr@fortepr.com

CONCORD, N.C. -- The owner of Richard Petty Motorsports said Tuesday that not re-signing chief operating officer Robbie Loomis was a business decision.

Richard Petty said Loomis was not fired, that his contract simply expired, and he still maintained a "personal" relationship with the organization that has struggled financially the past few years.

Loomis had been in charge of turning around RPM's on-track program for the past six years. He previously was at Hendrick Motorsports, where he was the crew chief for Jeff Gordon when he won the 2001 Sprint Cup title.

Petty said the decision not to offer a new deal had nothing to do with Loomis being outspoken about wanting to sign 2004 Cup champion Kurt Busch after Busch was released from Penske Racing.

RPM eventually signed Nationwide Series driver Aric Almirola from JR Motorsports to drive the famous No. 43.

"That was the business part of it," Petty said of Loomis' departure. "Personally, nothing has changed. Anything we do at the shop, we call him and let him know. He's up on the very latest thing we do at the shop."

Petty said all of Loomis' responsibilities at the track and shop have been re-assigned to other people. He did not rule out Loomis returning at some point, if it is financially feasible.

"He has a personal connection to Richard Petty Motorsports," Petty said. "Right now, that's all it is."

GE veteran to drive strategy, enhance operations

NEW YORK, Jan 25, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- TIAA-CREF, a leading financial services provider, today announced the appointment of Ronald Pressman as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Pressman, a 32-year veteran of General Electric, will report to TIAA-CREF Chief Executive Officer Roger Ferguson and start on January 30, 2012.

In this newly created role, Pressman will drive the company's strategic vision and operational excellence in order to enhance growth, execute business plans and deliver high-quality products and services to clients. He will partner closely with the executive management team to further improve performance, strengthen integration, help maintain financial stability and lead new business initiatives to build upon the company's well-established leadership position in the not-for-profit sector.

"Ron's experience building and leading businesses will accelerate our efforts to capitalize on the sizeable market opportunities in front of us," said Chief Executive Officer Roger Ferguson. "He brings additional strength to the leadership bench to ensure we provide the best service to our clients, while helping drive growth and efficiencies."

Ferguson added, "Our customers rely on us to help meet their complex and evolving financial needs across all life stages. This challenges us to innovate, provide new services and invest wisely. Ron's vision, industry knowledge and customer focus will be tremendous assets as we continue to help build the financial well-being of the 3.7 million customers at the 15,000 institutions we serve."

During his tenure at GE, Pressman amassed broad and deep leadership experience in the financial services, real estate, asset management and insurance industries. He most recently served as president and CEO of GE Capital Real Estate and as director of the GE Capital Services and GE Capital Corporation boards. Previously, he served as president and CEO of GE Asset Management and chairman, president and CEO of GE Employers Reinsurance Group. Pressman also held global leadership positions including serving as the CEO of GE Energy Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia and the general manager for GE International's Central and Eastern European markets.

"As the son of two educators who entrusted TIAA-CREF with their retirement savings, I have personally witnessed this company's investment strength, dedicated service and mission to help those who serve others achieve financial well-being," said Ron Pressman. "TIAA-CREF has a strong track record of success and a great future ahead. There is no place I'd rather be given my prior experiences than right here helping to lead this company as we embark on the next phase of our future."

Pressman is a charter trustee of Hamilton College and holds leadership positions in various philanthropic organizations, serving as the chairman of the National Board of A Better Chance and a director of Pathways to College. During his time abroad, he also chaired the U.K.-based youth mentoring program, Roots and Wings.

Pressman currently serves as a director of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited. He is a graduate of Hamilton College and will be based in TIAA-CREF's New York City office.

About TIAA-CREF

TIAA-CREF ( www.tiaa-cref.org ) is a national financial services organization with $464 billion in assets under management (as of 12/31/11) and is the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields.

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., members FINRA, distribute securities products. Annuity contracts and certificates are issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), New York, NY.

(C)2012 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund, New York, NY 10017

C2940

SOURCE: TIAA-CREF
        
        TIAA-CREF
        Chad Peterson, 704-988-6811
        cpeterson@tiaa-cref.org
        or
        John McCool, 212-916-6223
        jmccool@tiaa-cref.org

IHG Announces Robert Morse as Americas Chief Operating Officer

ATLANTA, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) (lon:IHG)) today announces that Robert "Bob" Morse has been appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer for the Americas region, succeeding Angela Brav who is now president of IHG's Europe region. In his new role with IHG, he will lead the operations activities for franchised and managed hotels across all of IHG's brands in the Americas region.

"Bob is a tremendous addition to our leadership team in the Americas region," said Kirk Kinsell, president, the Americas, IHG. "He has had a significant presence in our industry for 35 years and his operations, franchise and management expertise covers all aspects of running a successful hotel and brings an owner's perspective to this position. Bob will lead a key component in driving the performance of our brands and hotels for our owners. His focused attention on the operations of the managed and franchised hotels in our portfolio will help us to fulfill our core purpose of creating Great Hotels Guests Love."

"I'm looking forward to working alongside the great people at IHG, from the senior leadership team to the people who bring their hotels to life," said Morse, the incoming chief operating officer, the Americas, IHG. "IHG's focus on people, their strong brands and global strength within the industry are all big draws for me. I've watched IHG become a global force within the industry and am excited to be a part of the leadership team."

Morse will join IHG in February from Noble Investment Group, a leading lodging and hospitality investment organization, where he most recently served as managing principal and chief operating officer. For the past seven years, he was responsible for Noble's hotel management group, which prior to its October 2011 merger with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, operated more than 60 properties including full and select service hotels with annual management revenues of approximately $350 million. His responsibilities at Noble included hotel operations, sales and marketing, human resources, information technology and hotel accounting.

Prior to joining Noble, Morse was the chief operating officer for Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc. During his tenure there he was responsible for directing a portfolio of more than 300 hotels and resorts with more than $2.3 billion in annual revenue. Additionally, he has served in senior management positions for Millennium and Copthorne Hotels PLC, Homestead Suites, and with ITT Sheraton Hotels & Resorts where he oversaw the worldwide franchise organization for the Sheraton and Four Points brands.

Morse will be based in Atlanta and will be on the Regional Operating Committee for the Americas reporting directly to Kirk Kinsell, president for the Americas.

Notes to Editors:IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) (lon:IHG)) is a global organization operating seven hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® . IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world's first and largest hotel loyalty program with over 61 million members worldwide.

IHG is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms and franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,500 hotels and more than 666,000 guest rooms in 100 countries and territories, and has more than 1,100 hotels in its development pipeline.

IHG is committed to gender balance throughout its business. We aspire to continue retaining a minimum of 25% female representation on the Board.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.priorityclub.com for more on Priority Club Rewards. For our latest news, visit www.ihg.com/media , www.twitter.com/ihgplc or www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

Veteran Executive Brings 25 Years Experience in Sales, Marketing, Management and Engineering

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Jan 25, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Car Charging Group, Inc., a nationwide provider of convenient electric vehicle (EV) charging services for drivers wherever they live, work and play, today announced Ted Fagenson has joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Fagenson will be responsible for expanding the Company's EV charging business, operations and overall marketing strategy.

"The demand for our EV charging services and expertise is significantly increasing and we are very pleased to have Ted on board to help manage and fuel our growth," said Michael D. Farkas, Chief Executive Officer of Car Charging Group, Inc. "Before joining our team, Ted was an executive at Coulomb Technologies, a leading EV charging solutions company, so he certainly has a thorough understanding of the EV charging marketplace. Ted will set up our operations in California, a state that accounts for most of the EVs sold today, and quickly grow our nationwide footprint from there as well as leverage his international knowledge to pursue global opportunities."

"With the onset of many new, diverse vehicles about to roll out in the marketplace, the EV market is poised to rapidly accelerate and will eventually re-define the automotive and transportation industries. I'm very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Car Charging Group," said Ted Fagenson, Chief Operating Officer of Car Charging Group, Inc. "We will be pursuing a number of unique services for EV drivers and for our property and real estate partners that will further revolutionize the EV driving and charging experience."

Prior to joining Car Charging Group, Mr. Fagenson was Vice President, North American Sales for Coulomb Technologies. Before Coulomb, he was at Cellfire, a mobile promotions and advertising service company, where he was Vice President of Sales and Corporate Marketing. Previously, Mr. Fagenson held several executive positions at 2Wire, a DSL supplier providing innovative solutions to telecommunications companies globally. At 2Wire, he was general manager of a software division that was responsible for tens of millions of residential broadband endpoints as well as responsible for growing the company's international sales from zero to $150 million, closing deals with large telecommunications companies including British Telecom, Telmex and Telstra. Mr. Fagenson's previous experience includes positions at Polycom, AT&T and Raytheon. He holds a BSEE from Rutgers University, College of Engineering and an MBA from the University of Rochester, Simon School.

About Car Charging Group, Inc.:

Car Charging Group, Inc. /quotes/zigman/4181752 CCGI -5.00% , headquartered in Miami, Florida, is the pioneer and one of the nation's fastest growing providers of EV charging services. CCGI is building a nationwide EV service, enabling all types of EV to charge anytime, anywhere throughout North America and ultimately in many high growth global markets. CCGI has more than 30 strategic partnerships with municipalities, shopping malls, parking garages, multi-family residential and commercial properties totaling more than six (6) million parking spaces with all partner locations expected to have high numbers of EVs at their locations. CCGI provides a comprehensive turnkey solution for all property owners where we install and maintain the entire infrastructure. Our partners benefit by sharing in the revenue generated from the EV charging service while enhancing green initiatives throughout their business operations. More than one million plug-in electric vehicles, such as the Nissan LEAF, GM Chevrolet Volt, Fisker Karma, Tesla Model S, Ford Focus EV as well as many others, are expected to be on the road in the U.S. by 2015 with estimates calling for more than 40 million on the road worldwide in 2030. For more information about Car Charging Group, Inc., please visit www.CarCharging.com .

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:

This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Car Charging Group, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Car Charging Group, Inc.

        CONTACT: Investor Relations and Media Contact:
        For Car Charging Group, Inc.
        Kevin S. Inda
        Corporate Communications, Inc. (CCI)
        kevin.inda@cci-ir.com
        407-566-1180

CHICAGO, Jan. 25, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- UHC announces the appointment of Scott Glasrud as executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective May 1, 2012. Glasrud has more than 30 years of experience in the health care industry and spent the last 15 years as the chief financial officer at The University of Kansas Hospital.  During the last half of his tenure there, Glasrud also had overall responsibility for strategy and business development.

Glasrud's responsibilities at UHC will include oversight of operations and all business units, including the organization's programs and initiatives focused on performance improvement, supply chain, strategy research, public policy and networking.  He will also lead business development, which includes determining how UHC can best meet members' needs and help them demonstrate leadership in the delivery of health care services. He will report to UHC's president and chief executive officer, Irene Thompson.

"Scott is a proven leader and visionary in the health care industry, and we are delighted to welcome him to UHC," said Thompson. "With his strategic and financial acumen, Scott will be an asset to an already strong senior team at UHC. He brings the depth of experience and collaborative leadership skills needed to help UHC continue to deliver the highest value to members and remain focused on members' most pressing needs now and in the future."

Commenting on his new post, Glasrud said, "My 15 years of working within such a prestigious academic medical center have been very rewarding.  With that experience, I am now looking forward to a new role where I can benefit and support more than 100 of the nation's leading academic medical centers and help them optimize their performance and achieve their important missions in very challenging times. I understand the unique issues facing health care providers today, and I am thrilled to join UHC and become a part of the heritage of performance excellence and collaboration that the organization has established."

Prior to joining The University of Kansas Hospital, Glasrud held leadership positions at Mercy Health Services in Des Moines, Iowa, Ernst & Young, and Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). He has served on several boards, including REACH Healthcare Foundation and the Audit Committee of the American Heart Association. He received a bachelor of science in zoology and a master of science in business, health care fiscal management, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

About UHC

UHC is an alliance of the nation's leading nonprofit academic medical centers, which are focused on delivering world-class patient care. Based in Chicago, Ill, UHC fosters collaboration with and among its 115 academic medical center and 259 affiliated hospital members through its renowned programs and services in the areas of comparative data and analytics, performance improvement, supply chain management, strategic research, and public policy. UHC helps its members achieve excellence in quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Formed in 1984, UHC's membership includes more than 90% of the nonprofit academic medical centers in the United States. For more information, visit uhc.edu.

Social Health Company for Women Structures Management Team for Continued Growth

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, Jan 25, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- EmpowHER, an award-winning social health company for women, prepares for continued expansion and growing demand by promoting Thom Brodeur to President and Chief Operating Officer and Jamie Glass to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Both will continue reporting to EmpowHER Founder, Chair and CEO Michelle King Robson.

Today, EmpowHER ranks third among women's health destinations and in the top 30 among all health destinations on the Web according to comScore Media Metrix (December 2011). EmpowHER's traffic and audience grew nearly 400% in 2011 direct and through syndication with partners including AOL, Yahoo! Health, Fox News, HealthGuru Media, Howdini, blinkx, Hearst's RealAge, Healthline Network, and Rodale Healthy Living Network and is positioned to extend the reach of its original premium women's health article and video content to more than 200 million female health consumers in 2012.

"This is an exciting time for EmpowHER," says Michelle King Robson, Founder, Chair and CEO of EmpowHER Media. "Our growth has been driven by the explosive demand among women for our engaging peer health community and gender-specific health information and advocacy resources. Thom and Jamie have helped prepare EmpowHER to capitalize on new market opportunities. By aligning their responsibilities and internal resources, we are prepared to execute our long-term strategic plans and do more to help HER."

In addition to oversight for the company's Board of Advisors and management of its leadership team, Ms. Robson will continue advancing women's health advocacy as a media personality through broadcast television and radio partnerships; original programming on EmpowHER's own, soon-to-be-launched branded Web TV platform -- EmpowHER TV, and patient advocacy education.

Brodeur will focus on strategy, product, content and community, and corporate development. In this capacity, Brodeur will work with the CEO on EmpowHER's corporate strategy and capital development efforts, while overseeing the Company's shift from a health information publisher to a comprehensive social health platform for women with offerings in Web, mobile, social and gaming for women's health, wellness and lifestyle.

Glass will continue to focus on sales, partner and client services and will add EmpowHER marketing to her responsibilities. She will leverage her nearly 25 years of experience to continue to grow revenue through direct sales, channel relationships and now corporate marketing and consumer marketing.

Click here to view this release on EmpowHER.com and share it with your social networks.

About EmpowHER Media EmpowHER Media is an award-winning, HON-certified, social health company for women. The Company's flagship -- EmpowHER.com -- is the third most visited women's health and wellness destination on the Web (comScore Media Metrix). As the online home for female health consumers, EmpowHER.com offers a unique value proposition of a peer health community and premium, original women's health and wellness content. Health care professionals, brands and agency professionals rely on EmpowHER Media for reaching the most influential health and wellness buyer on the Internet -- women. EmpowHER reached more than 60 million women onsite and through syndication in 2011, and expects to reach more than 250 million in 2012.

         Press Contact for EmpowHER
        Lauren Moye
        EmpowHER
        (971) 832-1456

Jan. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Citigroup Inc., the third-biggest U.S. bank, will consider further spending cuts at its securities unit after an investment of almost $1 billion in the business last year failed to boost revenue.

The lender, which last week announced 1,200 job reductions to save $600 million this year at the Securities and Banking division, will “further restructure” if revenue doesn’t rebound in 2012, Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach said on a conference call yesterday. Profit at the unit fell 24 percent last year to $4.9 billion as Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis rattled world markets, New York-based Citigroup said last week.

“We are not oblivious to the fact that our cost structure cannot be justified by our current revenue,” Gerspach said. “While much of the current difficulty reflects market conditions, we equally have some management and execution challenges.”

The retrenchment shows how a global slowdown in deal-making and trading has thwarted Chief Executive Officer Vikram Pandit’s efforts since the bank’s $45 billion U.S. bailout in 2008 to increase revenue, in part by recruiting talent. Revenue in the securities unit is down 21 percent since 2009, while compensation and other operating costs have climbed 15 percent.

Citigroup gained 5 cents to $29.90 in New York. The shares have dropped 38 percent in the past year.

‘Operating Leverage’

Gerspach, 58, said Citigroup needs the business to improve “operating leverage,” which happens when a company increases revenue faster than costs. The Securities and Banking unit includes stock and bond trading, mergers advice and equity and debt underwriting.

“We must either drive revenue growth and operating leverage, or we will have to restructure, cut capacity and cut expenses,” he said.

The unit is run by James Forese, 48, who reports to Chief Operating Officer John Havens, 55.

Gerspach said results in equities trading and investment banking were “disappointing.”

Revenue from investment banking, which includes merger advisory and securities underwriting, fell 14 percent to $3.31 billion last year. Raymond McGuire and Tyler Dickson run that department. Revenue from equities-trading, led by Derek Bandeen, fell 21 percent to $2.76 billion.

Phone calls for the executives either weren’t returned or were referred to Danielle Romero-Apsilos, a bank spokeswoman, who declined to comment on their behalf.

‘Upgraded Talent’

The bank invested $3.9 billion last year in all of its businesses, including initiatives to meet regulatory requirements, modernize branches and boost spending on consumer marketing, Pandit said during a Jan. 17 conference call with analysts and investors.

“We also upgraded talent in both our institutional and consumer businesses,” Pandit, 55, said then.

The securities unit accounted for “a little less than $1 billion” of the investments, Gerspach said.

“We identified businesses in S&B that we believed were strategically important to our long-term success, but where we lacked scale,” Gerspach said. “Our investment spending left us with less expense flexibility in 2011, particularly as markets began to weaken in the second half of the year.”

‘Expensive Traders’

Job cuts that began late last year eventually will total 5,000, Gerspach told reporters last week, or about 1.9 percent of the company’s 266,000 employees as of Dec. 31. About 1,200 of the job cuts will come from the securities and investment- banking unit, Gerspach said.

“It was unwise to spend significant sums of money hiring expensive traders and investment bankers,” said Richard Staite, an analyst with Atlantic Equities LLC who has an “overweight” rating on the bank’s shares. “Citigroup should focus on lower- risk activities, particularly transaction services, consumer banking and straightforward corporate banking.”

Until European officials forge an “achievable and sustainable” resolution to the crisis, markets will continue to experience “periods of calm and then followed by a period of uncertainty,” Gerspach said.

“Europe continues to remain an overhang on the market,” he said. “It still is very much up to Europe to figure out whether or not they can come up with an achievable restructuring that will settle things down on a more permanent basis. And I think that’s yet to be seen.”

Zephyr Photonics Adds Networking and Fiber Optics Experts to Lead Engineering and Component Operations

ZEPHYR COVE, NV, Jan 25, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Zephyr Photonics today announced the appointments of Dan Tuck as General Manager and Vice President of Component Operations, and Dr. Daniel Zhu as Vice President of Engineering. Most recently, Tuck served as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Engineering for Datastrip, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of mobile handheld biometric terminals. Dr. Zhu comes to Zephyr Photonics after serving as the Director of Engineering at Emcore Corp, where he was responsible for the design, development and high volume production of high-speed active optical caples and pluggable optical transceiver.

Tuck brings more than 20 years of experience leading development and project teams to deliver software and hardware intensive products. Prior to Datastrip, he served as the General Manager of Microphase Corp., Chief Technology Officer at Pargaon Networks, Chief Technology Officer at IPC Information Systems/Ixnet, Director of Engineering at Ascom Nexion/Ascom Timeplex and Vice President of Engineering at Teleos Communications. Tuck started his career at AT&T Bell Labs in 1981 after graduating from the University of Texas with a bachelor's degree in engineering. He also earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University.

Dr. Zhu has been working in the field of fiber optics communications since 1988. In addtion to his work at Emcore, Dr. Zhu served as the Product Engineering Manager over the Optical Platform Division at Intel Corp. Prior to Intel, he worked in engineering management and technical lead roles at Infinera, Mahi Networks and Ciena Corporation. In his native China, Dr. Zhu was a manager at Guangzhou Electronics Research Center. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in physics at Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, China, and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.

"These two gentleman are both highly skilled and highly trained individuals who bring tremendous experience to our company," said Tom Steding, CEO of Zephyr Photonics. "Dr. Zhu's background and vast experience in the commercial photonics arena are strong additions to Zephyr Photonics' mission of delivering a new generation of high performance, ruggedized, optical communication solutions for harsh and demanding mission critical applications. Dan Tuck brings extensive expertise in technology development, operations management, strategic business planning, partner/supplier negotiations, and relationship management in entrepreneurial technology companies similar to Zephyr Photonics. With their technical and business leadership, combined with our extensive portfolio of optoelectronics intellectual property, and our existing world-class development teams in Los Alto, Calif. and Zephyr Cove, Nev., we are well positioned to accelerate product development and quickly bring additional products to market."

About Zephyr Photonics Founded in 1987, Zephyr Photonics (formerly OptiComp) is focused on providing solutions to the Department of Defense, and the aerospace, industrial, energy, and intelligence industries. For the past 25 years, Zephyr has worked as a research and development company, creating its unique technology over 60 contracts from U.S. government agencies, communication companies, and defense prime contractors. Zephyr Photonics has independently developed its first commercial solution, a patented VCSEL technology available nowhere else in the country. The innovative technology enables the production of harsh environment, integrated optoelectronic modules for ultra-wide bandwidth data networking and optical interconnect applications. For more information, visit www.zephyrphotonics.com.

       
        Media Contact:
        Kevin Wilson
        Email Contact
        513-898-1008

3-minute interview: Mark Lauriello, President and Chief Operating Officer, Rettew Engineering and Design Firm

Q: What do you remember about first becoming some­one’s boss?

A: It was a harder than it looked. I thought managing someone would be eay and would be no problem. I learned that managing people is harder than managing a project. I was trained as an engineer. I was trained to manage projects. I was not trained to manage people. I could not anticipate the type of issues I would be dealing with. It took a long time and quite a few trials and tribulations before I got sort of good at it. It is not easy as one might think.

 Q: Describe the culture at your company.

A: Rettew’s culture can be described as an energized and unified commitment to delight­ing the client. Everyone is on the same page when it comes to working together to do whatever it takes to exceed our clients’ ex­pectations. We enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but when it’s time to deliver for the client, an intensity to go above and beyond takes over. We also take time to celebrate our successes.

Q: Tell us one thing that has evolved about your leadership style.

A: I used to think I had to be directly involved in everything and be at least a part of every decision. Over the years, I’ve learned that with such great people, I need only be involved in setting the vision, or the objectives, or the goals. I’ve learned that it all starts with setting a vision or a goal that people can believe in and rally around. Aside from setting the overall vision, I lead by allowing employees to do their job, stay­ing mostly out of the way and speaking up only when I think it’s necessary. We have great people, and I do not micro man­age them. I will closely moni­tor performance and hold folks accountable, but I will allow people to do their jobs in their own way. I will jump in and make the decision or provide the direction only when I think we are spinning our wheels or getting off course.

Q: What is your company’s biggest challenge?

A: Managing growth. We’ve hired 180 people since June 1, 2010. We are filling up office space almost as soon as we sign a lease. This presents a whole host of challenges.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your workplace, or what would you change if you could?

A: The people who work here are absolutely my most favorite aspect of my workplace. I try to meet with all new employees after they’ve been here for 60 days. I enjoy those meetings im­mensely.

Mark Lauriello

Company also hires new director of healthcare

Communications services company, BT, has appointed former Macquarie Telecom customer service and operations group executive, Simon Gatward, as its new chief operating officer.

Prior to working at Macquarie Telecom, Gatward was head of outsourcing at Hewlett Packard (HP).

In his new role as COO, he will be charged with building business operations and customer processes to support the company’s growth in Australia.

DALLAS, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Behringer Harvard announced today that Mr. Michael J. O'Hanlon has accepted a position as Executive Vice President of Behringer Harvard. Mr. O'Hanlon also has been appointed CEO and President of the funds that comprise the company's opportunity platform, including Behringer Harvard Opportunity REIT I, Inc. and Behringer Harvard Opportunity REIT II, Inc.

Mr. Robert S. (Bob) Aisner, who formerly served as CEO and President of these REITs, has been appointed Vice Chairman of Behringer Harvard Opportunity REIT I, Inc. and Behringer Harvard Opportunity REIT II, Inc. Additional appointments include Ms. Lisa Ross as Treasurer of Opportunity REIT I and Mr. Jason Hall as Treasurer of Opportunity REIT II.

"We're very pleased to welcome Michael to Behringer Harvard," said Mr. Aisner, CEO and President of Behringer Harvard. "We stand to benefit tremendously from Michael's professional experience in operating public, non-traded alternative investment programs as well as his expertise in many other facets of real estate management. We're confident that Michael's strong leadership will be particularly beneficial to our opportunity-style investment programs."

Mr. O'Hanlon previously served on the Behringer Harvard Multifamily REIT II board of directors and as a member of its audit committee. With more than 30 years of experience in asset management, corporate and loan restructuring, capital markets, property operations, joint ventures, and brokerage organization management, Michael is well-known in the industry. He has been active in National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, International Council of Shopping Centers and Urban Land Institute and is a past member of the Real Estate Roundtable.

Most recently, as COO and President of Billingsley Company, Michael managed their multifamily, office, retail and industrial portfolios. He also served from 2005 to 2009 as CEO and President of Inland Western Retail REIT, Inc., an $8 billion publicly registered non-listed REIT.

Mr. O'Hanlon also has held management positions at other well-respected real estate and financial institutions. From 2001 to 2005, he was Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the Midwestern region of Grubb & Ellis Company. He was Executive Director and Senior Managing Director of the Dallas region of Insignia/ESG from 1999 to 2002. At Cushman & Wakefield, Mr. O'Hanlon was Senior Managing Director of the Midwestern region from 1995 to 1999. He also has had previous tenures at The Balcor Company, Citicorp Real Estate and Citibank REO. He has an MBA from Columbia University and a BS in accounting from Fordham University.

About Behringer Harvard

Behringer Harvard creates and manages global institutional-quality investment programs for individual and institutional investors through its real estate investment trusts, joint ventures and proprietary program structures. The company also offers strategic advisory, asset management and capital market solutions. Programs sponsored and managed by the Behringer Harvard group of companies have attracted equity of more than $5 billion and investments into more than $11 billion in assets. For more information, contact our U.S. headquarters toll-free at 866.655.3600 or our European headquarters at 011 49 40 34 9999 90, or visit us online at behringerharvard.com.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan 24, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GraphEffect, a social marketing software company, announced today the appointment of David Pollet as Vice President of Sales, and Jennifer Cooley as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. The two positions are newly created, reflecting the company's significant growth since its founding in 2010. Both executives will report to James Borow, the company's Chief Executive Officer.

"Following two years of profitable growth working with global brands and agencies, we've established a lead in paid social media and a platform for scale," said James Borow, CEO of GraphEffect. "With the upcoming release of GraphEffect 2.0, we are ready to build out our sales and marketing infrastructure globally and are excited to have industry experts like David and Jennifer lead the charge."

David Pollet, 38, brings over 15 years of digital sales and marketing leadership experience, most recently serving as SVP of Sales at [x+1] where he managed sales and account management for the digital marketing hub provider. Through David's leadership, [x+1] scaled revenues 5X during his tenure. Prior to [x+1], David led national sales teams at Bankrate.com and Andover.net. David also brings deep marketing expertise having led digital advertising for both Bank of America and LendingTree. In his role at GraphEffect, David will oversee all aspects of sales strategy and revenue performance nationally. He received his degree from Colby College and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jennifer Cooley, 31, most recently served as General Manager at Buddy Media, where she launched the company's paid media offering. Prior to that role, Jennifer helped build Collective Media, a full service provider of media and technology solutions for display and video advertising, over a span of five years. She joined the company as its third employee, going on to hold a number of positions of increasing responsibility within the sales department until ultimately serving as National Director of Agency Relations and Sales Development. Spearheading marketing strategy and brand innovation at GraphEffect, Jennifer will drive the company's corporate and product positioning, branding and identity, public relations and demand generation campaigns. Jennifer studied creative writing at the University of Arizona and currently resides in New York City.

GraphEffect enables companies to seamlessly integrate and manage their advertising and conversational marketing programs on a single platform. Large brands orchestrating multiple marketing agencies can use GraphEffect's collaboration tools to coordinate their efforts and measure bottom line impact. The company's platform is designed to work with any current or future social media channel, with the first release focusing on Facebook.

Mr. Pollet and Ms. Cooley are the latest executives to join GraphEffect's growing management team. In October 2011, Stephano Kim, former president and COO of [x+1], was named president of the company.

About GraphEffect

GraphEffect, a social marketing software company, enables companies to seamlessly integrate and manage their advertising and conversational marketing programs on a single platform. Large brands orchestrating multiple marketing agencies can use GraphEffect's collaboration tools to coordinate their efforts and measure bottom line impact. The company's platform is designed to work with any current or future social media channel, with the first release focusing on Facebook. GraphEffect was founded in 2010, and is backed by venture capital firms Lerer Ventures, Thrive Capital, Founder Collective, Rincon Venture Partners, CrossCut Ventures, and Baroda Ventures. The company has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

SOURCE: GraphEffect

       
        Burson-Marsteller
        David Rosen, 212-614-5272
        David.Rosen@bm.com
        or
        Steven Melfi, 212-614-4087
        Steven.Melfi@bm.com

Bermuda-based Third Point Reinsurance has named Rob Bredahl as CFO as well as COO and Dan Malloy as executive vice president Underwriting.

Prior to Third Point Re, Bredahl worked for Aon Benfield where he served as CEO of Aon Benfield Securities and president of Aon Benfield Americas.

He also served as the managing director and head of US derivatives sales and structured debt origination for Barclays Capital in New York.

Malloy, before joining Third Point Re, worked for Aon Benfield as a co-head of the Specialty Practice Groups and he led a team that originated, structured and placed highly customized reinsurance treaties.

Malloy has spent a 30 year career in the reinsurance market and has held a number of high profile leadership positions.

Prior to joining Aon Benfield, Malloy headed the Specialty Lines Group at Benfield and was a member of Benfield's US management committee.

He joined Benfield in 2003 from Stockton Reinsurance, where he served as president.

NEW YORK, January 24, 2012 --  /PRNewswire/ --

Website owners, business journalists and investors wishing to provide commentary on financial markets, can embed professional-quality charts on any site, forum, or blog, thanks to TradingView.

It's easy to insert a chart into a website, just like a YouTube video. You can watch a video of TradingView in action, here: http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fwn__nmAaJg

Thousands of investors have already signed up and started using TradingView since it went live at the end of 2011, and now your website can use it too, adding value to your commentary and a platform your users will jump to engage with.

The social media offshoot of trading software company MultiCharts is offering financial website owners, reporters and users alike the opportunity to embed its proprietary charts on news sites, forums, blogs and mobile platforms for free.

TradingView COO Stan Bokov says: "TradingView is a place to get trading ideas, do research on free stock charts and forex charts, and get feedback from other investors. The main goal of the site is to let anyone become a better investor by learning from ideas given by others and practice making predictions."

Investors use TradingView to present and share ideas about where the market is going and trading strategies with other users, who can then provide their own feedback.

The editableNodesktop-quality chartsNoillustrate trends, targets, support and resistance in real-time with the website automatically grouping together related and similar ideas by ticker symbol, timeframe, applied studies and line tools.

Users can also apply indicators, including the MACD, Elliott Wave and Moving Averages and comment on their own and other people's charts, offering their take on market movements or engage in group debates with other investors.

TradingView offers instant login and one-button sharing via Google Accounts, Facebook, Yahoo!, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, among others.

Thereafter, any published chart can be embedded into any web resource (forum, blog or website) through the IFRAME script, which is available when you click the 'Share' button.

Currently, TradingView supplies free stock and index charts using data from the BATS exchange plus FOREX, with stock fundamental data and futures on its way.

Notes to Editors:

TradingView is a social project created by MultiCharts, makers of an award-winning trading platform which has won prestigious industry awards including "Best Professional Trading Platform" and 'Best Software for US Intra-Day Traders'.

For commercial and partner inquiries contact: Stan Bokov sbokov@multicharts.com +1-614-569-0345 6 am - 2 pm EST

For media requests, contact: Richard Powell Presswire Office: +44(0)207-754-0050 Mobile: +44(0)778-680-6951 Email: richard.powell@presswire.com Presswire Press Release Distribution.

Excellence Nessuah COO Moshe Barmack: Maoz is still serving as Excellence director and chairman of the fund committee. He is just no longer the official face of the company and chief economist.

"Shlomo Maoz was not fired from Excellence Nessuah Ltd. (TASE: EXCE). He is still serving as the director and chairman of the fund committee in the investment house. He is just no longer the official face of the company and chief economist," Excellence Nessuah COO Moshe Barmack said yesterday during a Knesset Finance Committee session on Maoz's statements about the Ashkenazi elite. Maoz and Excellence CEO David Baruch did not attend the session, despite the fact that they were summoned.

"The investment house serves the entire public, including people from all walks of life, and investment decisions are made regardless of ethnic affiliation. Shlomo Maoz has been removed as the investment house's official face of the company, but he is still a board member, as well as the fund committee chairman," Barmack added.

Are they not as good?

Knesset Finance Committee chairman MK Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) sharply criticized Excellence, saying, "A year ago, Maoz spoke out against the haredi (ultra-orthodox) population and no one said a word. Now, when he states a fact - that only Ashkenazi people are in positions of control in Israel - he gets fired. What is that about?" Gafni asked.

Gafni agreed with Maoz's statement. "Why don't we see more Sephardic people in government positions, in the court houses, and in public institutions? Are they not as good?" Gafni also used the "white tribe" expression that Maoz used, and said that he does not know who made up this expression.

CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Price Holdings, Inc. is pleased to announce it has formed a strategic partnership between its asset management subsidiary, Price Asset Management, Inc. (PAM), and Peak View Capital, LLC (Peak View). As part of this partnership, Peak View's founder, John D. Reese, will join PAM as Chief Executive Officer and will become a member of the board of directors of Price Holdings, Inc. David F. Schink, a managing partner in Peak View, will also join PAM as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.

"This is a major step forward for Price Asset Management and for all of Price Holdings," remarked Thomas Price III, Chairman of Price Holdings, Inc. "We are excited to have an executive of John's caliber join us as well as his colleague David Schink, to help build Price Asset Management for the benefit of our investing clients and for all our employees."

"At Peak View Capital, we believe that commodities and managed futures investment strategies represent unique opportunities for investors not found in traditional asset classes, and that Price Asset Management is very well positioned to meet the challenges of the marketplace," stated Mr. Reese. "The Price Holdings team has the depth of experience, robust platform, and excellent reputation within the futures industry that we are seeking, and we are excited to be partnering with them in the further development of their investment management business."

"We look forward to working closely with John and David to expand our capabilities to provide added value strategies and reach a broader institutional clientele," added Alan Konn, Managing Director of Institutional Sales.

Prior to joining PAM, Mr. Reese was Executive Managing Director and Senior Vice-President of Wells Fargo Asset Management's Evergreen Investments division, where he was principally responsible for the European Credit Management Ltd. (ECM) investment subsidiary business in North America. Prior to the acquisition of ECM, a London-based fixed income manager, by Wachovia Bank in 2007, and Wachovia's acquisition by Wells Fargo in 2008, Mr. Reese was President of ECM, Inc., the US-based investment business of ECM, and partner and member of the board of directors of the parent firm. Before leaving to join ECM, Mr. Reese was employed by Merrill Lynch for over 20 years in a variety of capacities, including most recently as Managing Director in the Global Debt Markets division in New York. In 2010, Mr. Reese formed Peak View Capital, LLC, a private firm focused on partnerships with, and investments in, asset management companies. 2 Chicago Board of Trade - 141 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1340 A - Chicago, Illinois 60604 312-261-4431 - Fax 312.261.4427

Prior to joining PAM, Mr. Schink was Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Contego Capital Partners, LLC, a Chicago-based registered investment advisor specializing in hedge fund investing where he was involved in strategic and day-to-day business affairs and was responsible for legal and regulatory risk management. Prior to Contego, Mr. Schink was an associate at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP, where he represented private equity funds, registered investment advisors and other investment vehicles in a variety of transactions, and at Sidley Austin LLP, where he represented financial institutions in structuring and negotiating structured finance and secured lending transactions.

Price Asset Management, Inc. is an advisor based in Chicago, Illinois, registered as a CTA and CPO, specializing in commodities and managed futures products. Among its products, PAM manages the RICI® Linked PAM Advisors Fund, LLC, which tracks the Rogers International Commodity Index®, a leading index of global commodities.

Price Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a diversified financial services holding company comprised of PAM, The Price Futures Group (one of the country's largest independent introducing futures brokers), Fund Dynamics (a full service fund accounting company), and Uhlmann Price Securities, LLC (a FINRA registered broker-dealer and Investment Advisor founded by Fred Uhlmann, a former Chairman of the Board of Trade). Tom Price is a member of Jim Rogers International Index Committee that oversees the RICI®.

This release is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed in any way as an endorsement or inducement to invest.

CONTACT: Dave Schink, +1-312-261-4426

Leading Staffing Services Firm Appoints President From Within

HANOVER, Md., Jan. 23, 2012 --

HANOVER, Md., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerotek, a leading provider of recruiting and staffing services, announced that Todd Mohr, Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been promoted to President of Aerotek.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120123/DC40329)

As president, Mohr will be responsible for the growth, strategic development and financial performance of Aerotek's multiple service lines in more than 200 offices throughout North America and Europe.

"Todd has established himself as a leader time and again during the 16 years he has worked with Aerotek," said Thomas M. Thornton, former Aerotek president. "We are honored to have Todd take on this critical leadership role and continue Aerotek's legacy of long-term success."

Since 1995, Mohr has worked for Aerotek and its parent company, Allegis Group, in a variety of roles throughout the U.S. and Europe. Mohr began his Aerotek career as a technical recruiter serving in virtually every operational role, including his most recent positions as the President of Allegis Group's European operations and COO.  His success and dedication at Aerotek identified Mohr as a strong leader for the company. He graduated from the University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business.

Mohr's predecessor, Thomas M. Thornton will remain active with the Allegis Group Board of Directors bringing 21 years of industry experience and knowledge to the board.

About Aerotek

Aerotek, headquartered in Hanover, Md., is a leading provider of technical, professional and industrial staffing services.  Established in 1983, Aerotek is an operating company of Allegis Group, the largest provider of staffing services in the U.S. Aerotek operates a network of more than 200 non-franchised offices throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. For more information, visit http://www.aerotek.com.

--Says executive change unrelated to CSX's performance or financial condition

--Freight volume growth anemic in recent quarters

--Stock slides after hours

(Updates with additional details and stock activity throughout)

CSX Corp.'s (CSX) fourth-quarter earnings climbed 6.3% but came in short of Wall Street forecasts, tempered by soft demand for coal transported by the railroad as well as a muted holiday shipping season overall.

The Jacksonville, Fla.-based company also announced the departure of Chief Operating Officer David A. Brown. It didn't specify a reason but said Brown had been replaced by Chief Financial Officer Oscar Munoz, a decision "unrelated to CSX's financial condition, ...

DENVER-based LIQUID COMPASS has bolstered its management team with two new executives and two new sales reps.

The conclusion of a months-long, nationwide search for a COO resulted in the hiring of STEPHEN GUILLOT. In his new position, GUILLOT is expected to have an immediate positive impact on LIQUID COMPASS’s reach to new business verticals and overall financial performance.

Also joining LIQUID COMPASS as SVP/Sales is THOMAS CALLAHAN, who brings extensive experience from CBS RADIO, METRO NETWORKS, STANDARD NEWS RADIO NETWORKS and as GM at several radio stations. CALLAHAN also spent 11 years as general manager of the Associated Press Radio Division.

"We must be able to understand the needs of local radio stations as well as the desires of TODAY's digital listener and merge those two worlds into a successful business model," said CEO ZACKARY LEWIS. "These executives deepen our bench in every aspect of our business."

Continued strong interest from potential clients also prompted LIQUID COMPASS to add two account managers to its sales team, DEAN LICATA and TYLER BROOKFIELD.

Yesterday, CSX Corp. announced it appointed Oscar Munoz executive vice president and chief operating officer and Fredrik Eliasson, EVP and chief financial officer to succeed Munoz.

The Class I’s CFO since 2003, Munoz succeeds David Brown, who became EVP/COO in December 2009 and “is no longer with the company,” CSX officials said in a prepared statement.

“The company's decision to make this change is unrelated to CSX's financial condition, business performance or outlook, all of which are strong,” they said.

Munoz had been responsible for all financial, strategic planning, information technology, procurement and real estate activities. Prior to joining CSX, he held various senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and AT&T.

A 16-year CSX executive veteran, Eliasson most recently was VP of sales and marketing for the chemicals and fertilizer business unit, and previously headed the emerging markets business. He previously served as VP of financial planning and analysis.

Charles Barnett, 65, takes over as president of healthcare operations and COO for Ascension Health. He served as Texas/Missouri Ministry Market Leader with Ascension Health, and is taking a leave of absence from his role as president and CEO of Seton ...

Portland Monthly Magazine named Portland Trail Blazers COO Sarah Mensah one of the 50 Most Influential Portlanders in its January issue, on newsstands now.
------------------------------
Signature move: This 47-year-old Portland native runs the Trail Blazers’ day-to-day operations. Since 2007, Mensah helped sell out every Rose Garden game; sponsorship revenue has doubled during her tenure. She also played a key role in expunging the "Jail Blazers" era in favor of the community-focused "Rise With Us" brand revival. "Harry Glickman [the franchise founder] told me that the Blazers need to equal community involvement," she says. Mensah sits on boards for the NW Autism Foundation and All Hands Raised.

What’s next: While Blazers president Larry Miller seems like he’ll be around awhile—he appears to get along with mercurial owner Paul Allen—industry insiders predict that Mensah, the league’s highest-ranking female staffer, will become president of some NBA team in the next 10 to 15 years.

SNAP(R) Network Operating System User Base Grows 5X

HUNTSVILLE, AL, Jan 24, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- With the recent addition of two new global distributors to its International supply chain, Synapse Wireless(R) announced today the appointment of Pete Manno as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to its executive team. Over the past two years Synapse has seen a five-fold increase in its development base and is now assisting thousands of engineers who are experiencing the benefits of Synapse's SNAP network operating system. Synapse continues to offer the lowest cost path for wirelessly connecting machines to the Internet and to each other.

"Pete Manno brings years of success in building and managing high technology companies to help Synapse manage the growth being created by the increasing market acceptance of SNAP," said Wade Patterson, CEO of Synapse. SNAP is a multi-vendor, mutli-frequency, mesh network solution for embedding intelligent, wireless communication in M2M applications while enabling Internet connectivity.

"With Synapse's award-winning commitment to innovation, sustainability and excellence as a recognized TOP 300 STARTUP," said Pete Manno, new COO of Synapse, "it's easy to forecast how Synapse's disruptive technology is going to drive the future of machine communication in both new and existing markets. I am proud to be a member of such a promising company."

Pete Manno has a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering and has been a leader in the high tech industry for years. Working at companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Avantek, M/A-COM and Powerwave Technologies, Mr. Manno has successfully guided significant growth in worldwide sales and brings hands-on experience in managing product development during periods of rapid growth.

SNAP has been embedded in products across a wide range of industries and is fast becoming a de facto standard for connecting machine networks to the Internet. A recent example is Proventix System's announcement of its SNAP-based nGage(TM) product becoming the most widely adopted healthcare hand hygiene monitoring system in the United States. Designed to help reduce healthcare-associated infections, the nGage system has recorded over 4 million total hand cleansings.

"We are seeing wireless applications taking hold in the market," Wade adds. "Proventix's growth demonstrates acceleration in the application of SNAP technology embedded into low-cost wireless devices. With Pete joining our team, we add the experience to take Synapse to the next level for our growing customer base."

SNAP supports a wide range of network standards, radio frequencies and bandwidths, and provides an embedded Python interpreter to run applications while supporting distributed computing via the Internet. Synapse's wireless technology can be deployed in almost any application that requires remote monitoring and control of machines, sensors or processes.

About Synapse Wireless, Inc. Synapse Wireless, Inc., located in Huntsville, Alabama, provides intelligent, wireless control and monitoring technology for machine-to-machine networks based on the Internet-enabled SNAP(R) network operating system. Synapse's Portal(R) and SNAP(R) Connect products provide a complete software development environment for easy application development and fast time to revenue. Synapse RF Engine(R) modules include an increasing number of MCU choices for both interoperability and second sourcing. Synapse offers a complete line of LED lighting control products as well as wireless cable replacement products for DMX and RS-232/RS-485 serial adapters. Synapse Engineering Services provides comprehensive design and implementation support for OEMs and partners. For more information, visit: www.Synapse-Wireless.com .

Synapse and the Synapse logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Synapse Wireless, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. All Synapse products are patented or patent pending. Copyright Synapse Wireless Inc. 2012.

       
        For more Information
        Bryan Floyd
        Vice President, Marketing
        Synapse Wireless
        bryan.floyd@synapse-wireless.com
        1 256-852-7888 x106

BELLE GLADE, Fla., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- After 52 years at the helm of Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, its founder, President and Chief Executive Officer George H. Wedgworth announced he has stepped down from day-to-day duties at its annual membership meeting last week, however, he will remain chairman of its Board of Directors. Wedgworth has guided the Cooperative from its inception to what the Cooperative is today: a world class vertically integrated sugar cane operation that jointly owns the largest cane sugar refining company in the world.

"From the novel idea of organizing the Cooperative to overseeing its construction, the expansions and integration into the cane sugar refining business, George was the driving force," said John L. Hundley, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the Board. "He directed every facet of the Cooperative with honesty, integrity and resolve. His leadership and his legacy are the basic foundation of the Cooperative and will be carried out by the new leadership."

The Board appointed Antonio L. (Tony) Contreras Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer and Jose F. Alvarez, as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of the Cooperative. Recognizing that these are big shoes to fill, the membership of the Cooperative welcomed this transition as a positive move in fulfilling its commitment to provide economic growth and performance for the 46 grower-owners and the more than 550 people in the Cooperative's workforce.

Contreras previously served as the Executive Vice President-Marketing and Refining Operations at the Cooperative. He also serves as Co-President and Chairman of the Board of American Sugar Refining, Inc. (ASR), that the Cooperative jointly owns with Florida Crystals Corporation. Contreras has been in the sugar industry for 37 years and at the Cooperative for 28 years. A native of Cuba, Contreras earned a BS in business administration from the University of Miami and a Masters in international marketing from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, AZ. Contreras sits on the board of the Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange, Inc., Vice Chairman and board member of Domino Foods, Inc., and is a member of the Inter Continental Exchange (ICE) Domestic Sugar Committee.

Alvarez previously served as Executive Vice President-Operations and General Manager at the Cooperative. He also serves as Vice President and a Board Member of ASR. Alvarez has been in the sugar industry for 40 years and at the Cooperative for 23 years. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a BS in mechanical engineering, and a MBA in finance. Alvarez is a member and past president of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologist and member of the Sugar Processing Research Institute.

Wedgworth said, "I'm proud of the team we have put together. I have full faith that they are well suited to lead the Cooperative through the next half-century of growth. Tony and Jose are well equipped to meet the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing the sweetener business."

On a personal note Wedgworth expressed his mixed emotions about leaving his day-to-day responsibilities. He said, "The Cooperative has been my baby that I nurtured and watched grow into an international sugar powerhouse. I will miss being a part of the daily challenges." Wedgworth added, "The success of the Cooperative can only be considered as extraordinary."

About the Cooperative: the Cooperative is made up of 46 small to medium size sugar cane farms located in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). The grower-owners produce sugarcane on some 65,000 acres of land generating 2.75 million tons of sugarcane yielding 300,000 tons of sugar per annum. The Cooperative is responsible for the harvesting, processing of sugar cane and the marketing of the raw sugar and molasses.

About American Sugar Refining, Inc. (ASR): ASR is jointly owned by the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida and Florida Crystals Corporation. With eight refineries in five countries, ASR produces some six million tons of refined sugar per annum, making it the largest cane sugar refining company in the world. ASR sells over 1,400 products in 99 countries under the premier brand names of Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's Golden Syrup®, Sidul®, and Sores®.

BNY Mellon Appoints Regional Executive for Central New York; Frank Behlmer Takes on Expanded Leadership Role

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- BNY Mellon, the global leader in investment management and investment servicing, today announced that long-time company executive Frank Behlmer has been named to the newly created role of regional executive for Central New York, which includes oversight for BNY Mellon in Oriskany, Utica and Syracuse. He will continue to serve the company as chief operating officer for Global Operations.

"Home to more than 2,000 BNY Mellon employees, Central New York is a key hub for our global operations and technology services that support our market-leading investment management and investment servicing businesses. Bringing these locations together under Frank's considerable leadership experience provides many benefits both to our company and our employees," said Kurt Woetzel, head of global operations and technology and chief administrative officer for the company. "In addition to his leadership role within our company, Frank is also a highly regarded community leader whose efforts continue to enhance BNY Mellon's excellent reputation in Central New York."

In his expanded role, Behlmer, 54, will be responsible for the implementation of corporate initiatives within the region including operational excellence; risk management and controls; talent management and development; employee engagement; diversity and inclusion; government and community relations; and facilities planning.

Throughout Behlmer's 30-plus years with the company, he has served in a variety of increasingly critical roles and senior leadership positions. A native of Staten Island, he is a graduate of St. John's University and joined the company in 1979 as an operations management trainee. He and his wife, Patty, have lived in Central New York since 1989.

"Central New York is a strong community with a highly educated workforce. These attributes create a solid foundation for our continued success and growth in the area," Behlmer said. "Since we first created a presence in this region in 1988, our employees have enriched the communities in which they live by committing time and resources to numerous organizations and events." In 2011, BNY Mellon was named Business of the Year by the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mohawk Valley Business Journal.

In his corporate role within Global Operations, Behlmer is responsible for Funds Transfer, Trade Services, Commercial Loan Operations, International Electronic Banking Support, Central Billing Unit Systems and the Payment and Trade Operations in 12 locations across the globe. BNY Mellon is the fourth largest clearer of U.S. dollar payments globally, processing 160,000 transactions daily valued at $1.5 trillion. The Trade Operations team provides letters of credit and other trade services worldwide and has been considered the best trade service providers for the past four years by Trade Finance magazine.

A member of the Clearing House Board Payments Company and the Board of Directors for the Bankers' Association for Finance and Trade - International Financial Services Association (BAFT-IFSA), Behlmer also has served on a number of senior banking industry committees focusing on global payments and trade issues facing the U.S. and international payments systems and networks. He has also been active in local organizations and serves on the Mohawk Valley Economic Development Board of Directors, the Center State Corporation for Economic Opportunity and previously served on the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area Board.

BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering superior investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $25.8 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.26 trillion in assets under management, services $11.8 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.5 trillion per day. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon CorporationBK +0.10%. Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com or follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon.

Kornberg will work alongside President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Christian and Chief Operations Officer Jane Schwalbe to provide management and oversight to all facets of commercial horticultural operations.

Arcata, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2012

American Hydroponics, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacturing of recirculating hydroponic systems, is pleased to welcome Scott Kornberg as its Chief Technology Officer.

Kornberg will work alongside President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Christian and Chief Operations Officer Jane Schwalbe to provide management and oversight to all facets of commercial horticultural operations including: sales, manufacturing, product development, system implementation, distribution and grower support.

"Scott fits seamlessly into our culture for he shares our vision and philosophy," noted Michael Christian, President of American Hydroponics. "His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience as a professional grower in controlled environments is rare. He combines that with a passion for growing plants, a great sense of humor, and an authentic inclination to help others. We now have an even broader range of skills to further strengthen our capacity to serve the grower community."

Kornberg joins American Hydroponics after 30+ years in the horticultural industry. His recent responsibilities were Greenhouse Manager and Director of Operations of The Sun Valley Group, one of the largest cut flower growers in the United States. Kornberg's experience includes everything from the selection and construction of greenhouses, implementation of greenhouse computer systems, building warehouses, sizing and constructing of cooling facilities, crop planning and personnel management.

"I look forward to helping people take food production back into the communities where they live," said Kornberg. "I want to see crop production spread all over the country and help infuse fresh food into areas where it is now unavailable. After 24 years in the flower business, I want to use my expertise to give something back to the community."

A graduate of California Polytechnic State University at Pomona, Kornberg earned his degree in Horticulture with a minor in Agricultural Biology. He also studied botany and agriculture at Humboldt State University.

About American Hydroponics

Founded in 1984, American Hydroponics is a leader in the recirculating hydroponic horticulture industry. Headquartered in Arcata, California, among the giant redwoods, where the air is clean, water pure and fly fishing epic.

We are committed to providing the tools, systems and knowledge for resource-efficient, community-supported agriculture. We envision food production to once again be at the heart of communities. We believe that successfully promoting and providing food safety, nutrition and support for local farming practices are paramount for a healthy future. For more information, please visit www.amhydro.com or call 800-458-6543.

ISLE OF MAN, Jan 23, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --        
Zhaikmunai L.P.  (the "Partnership")  
ZHAIKMUNAI APPOINTS NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
        Zhaikmunai LP , the oil and gas exploration and production
        enterprise based in north-western Kazakhstan is pleased to announce the
        hiring of Mr. Heinz Wendel as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of
        Zhaikmunai LLP in Uralsk.
        Appointment of a New Chief Operating Officer (COO)
        In a planned senior management change, Mr. Heinz Wendel will replace
        existing COO, Mr. Eckhard Verseck, who is retiring.
        Mr. Wendel is an experienced oil and gas professional with significant
        management and technical experience. He joined Zhaikmunai with a proven
        track record of over 30 years. Mr. Wendel has assumed his new role
        following a planned handover with his retiring predecessor.
        After completing his studies in Azerbaijan (Oil & Gas Institute, Baku),
        Mr. Wendel served in various managerial and technical capacities in
        Germany, Poland, Russia and Kazakhstan. He was Technical Director of
        Kazgermunai in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan, from 1998 to 2002. He
        subsequently held the positions of Head of Operations and Technology
        with East German EEG (Erdol-Erdgas Gommern) and later with GDF SUEZ E&
        P. Mr. Wendel is fluent in German, Russian and English.
        Zhaikmunai's former COO, Mr. Eckhard Verseck, who has served in this
        position since 2006, will continue to provide consultancy services to
        Zhaikmunai, more specifically with regard to Phase II of the Gas
        Treatment Facility (GTF).
        Kai-Uwe Kessel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said:"Mr. Wendel has proven
        himself a skilled oil industry professional with
        a particularly good understanding of the local Kazakhstan working
        environment. We are delighted that he has accepted the position of COO
        and he will provide stability to the ongoing management of the Company.
        Mr. Verseck, who has been instrumental in the successful building of
        Zhaikmunai's oil and gas infrastructure over the past six years, will
        continue to provide his valued technical expertise and field
        understanding in the preparation work around the second GTF phase."

        Further enquiries
        Zhaikmunai LP
        Bruno Meere, Investor Relations Officer
        investor_relations@zhaikmunai.com                +44 (0)1624 68 21 79
        Pelham Bell Pottinger
        Philip Dennis
        Elena Dobson                                     +44 (0) 20 7861 3232

        About Zhaikmunai
        Zhaikmunai is an independent oil and gas enterprise currently engaging
        in the exploration and development and production of oil and gas. It is
        listed on the London Stock Exchange (ticker symbol:ZKM). Its principal
        producing asset is the Chinarevskoye Field located in north-western
        Kazakhstan. Zhaikmunai L.L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhaikmunai
        L.P., holds a 100% interest in and is the operator of the Production
        Sharing Agreement for the Chinarevskoye Field.
        Forward-Looking Statements
        Some of the statements in this document are forward-looking.
        Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent,
        belief and current expectations of the Partnership or its officers with
        respect to various matters. When used in this document, the
        words"expects,""believes,""anticipates,""plans,""may,""will,""should"
        and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to
        identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not promises
        or guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could
        cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those suggested by any
        such statements.
                            This information is provided by RNS
                  The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
        END
       
       

       
        Contacts:
        RNS
        Customer
        Services
        0044-207797-4400
        Email Contact
 
http://www.rns.com

Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe Limited (LMIE) has announced the appointment of John McCammon as chief operating officer.

McCammon succeeds Patrick O’Brien, who vacated the position to become chief executive officer of Liberty Insurance in Ireland.

Prior to his latest appointment McCammon served LMIE as head of Claims.

McCammon is to be based in London and will report directly to LMIE Chief Executive Officer Sean Rocks.

He brings more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry to his new position, which will see him assume responsibility for the firm’s Continental Europe division.

Rocks praised McCammon’s great depth of experience across a range of insurance lines, and welcomed the professionalism and expertise he brings to the chief operating officer position.

Intel Corp. named Brian Krzanich to the post of chief operating officer amid a series of management changes announced Friday.

But Bloomberg reports that the appointment of Krzanich -- a 20-year veteran and manufacturing expert -- raises his profile as a potential replacement for CEO Paul Otellini. Company rules dictate that Otellini -- who held the COO title before being elevated to CEO -- must retire in four years when he turns 65.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is Oregon's largest private employer with more than 16,000 workers in Washington County.

Jan 23, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) --

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, or OCBC Bank, has appointed Samuel Tsien as CEO to succeed David Conner, who is retiring on April 14, 2012. In addition, OCBC Bank has promoted Ching Wei Hong, currently the head of global consumer financial services, to the newly created position of COO.

The new appointments will take effect from April 15, 2012. Samuel Tsien is currently the Bank's global head of Global Corporate Bank. David Conner will remain on the OCBC Board as a non-executive director.

Mr David joined the OCBC Bank in April 2002, with banking experience in the Asia Pacific region, having worked for over 25 years with Citibank N.A. where he served as Managing Director and Market Manager for Citibank, Japan, from 1999. He was also CEO of Citibank, India, from 1996 to 1999, and prior to that, Country Corporate Officer for Citibank's Singapore operations.

Mr Sam joined the OCBC in July 2007, after spending 30 years with Bank of America in various senior management roles in their Hong Kong and San Francisco offices. Immediately prior to joining us, he was President and CEO of China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation, formerly known as Bank of America (Asia). He assumed this position in December 2006 when China Construction Bank purchased Bank of America (Asia).

Before that, he was President and CEO of Bank of America (Asia) from March 1995, and from 1996 was concurrently the Asia Commercial & Consumer Banking Group Executive of Bank of America, holding the corporate rank of Executive vice president. He was also a director on the boards of Bank of America International Financial Corporation and Bank of America Overseas Corporation, the holding companies that oversaw Bank of America's investments and subsidiaries outside the US.

Mr Samuel Tsien, said: "Over the past four years, it has been deeply fulfilling to serve our many customers and work alongside truly talented colleagues. I am now most honored to succeed David. He is a highly-respected banker and one of the region's outstanding individuals. I will build on the foundation that he and his predecessors have laid down in seeking higher levels of business growth."

http://www.datamonitor.com

Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed its first chief operating officer for its US practice, with the hire of Andrea Locklear.

Locklear joins the firm from New York based legal recruiter FPC where she held the post of managing director. Prior to her four-year term at FPC, Locklear headed up recruitment at Sullivan & Cromwell for 10 years.

Over her 20 years in legal personnel and development roles, Locklear has also held posts at Debevoise & Plimpton and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.

------------------------------------------------------

At Freshfields she will be responsible for the management of the US practice’s business services functions, outside of business development and finance. Locklear began work at the firm earlier this month.

Commenting on the hire, Freshfields’ US regional managing partner Julian Pritchard said: “Our engagement of Andrea reflects our commitment to client service, efficient, innovative business services functions, and the development of all our people.  It also reflects the firm’s focus on recruiting the very top talent as we continue to grow our practice here.”

The news comes as the firm today announced the launch of a bespoke financial investors group to better service the need of clients’ diversification of investment strategies and global investment portfolios (23 January 2012).

Universal Music UK has announced the promotion of David Sharpe, currently SVP of the major’s Island Records division, to the group wide job of COO. In the new role, Sharpe will work with Universal UK top man David Joseph, overseeing all of the firm’s UK operations, and looking for “new commercial opportunities”.

The latter role will capitalise on Sharpe’s experience at Island of working with the label’s artists on non-recordings based ventures, such as direct-to-fan merchandise stores, ticketing deals and Tinchy Stryder’s Star In The Hood clothing business.

Confirming the appointment, Joseph told CMU: “David has time and again demonstrated his entrepreneurial approach, which will be of huge benefit to our artists, labels and all aspects of our company in his new role”.

Meanwhile Sharpe himself added: “I am delighted to be taking on this role and to be working more closely with David. These are very exciting and challenging times in the music industry and I’m looking forward to helping to grow Universal Music’s business”.

Universal UK also announced that the company’s CFO David Bryant was leaving the firm. Presumably three Davids at the top would be just too confusing. Joseph said of Bryant: “I’d like to thank David who has been so integral to the business and for the huge contribution he has made in his seventeen years as part of the senior team at Universal Music”.

Clinigen, the UK-based specialty pharmaceutical and pharma services provider, has appointed Shaun Chilton to the newly-created role of chief operating officer of the group’s services division.

Chilton joins from healthcare information supplier KnowledgePoint360 Group, where he was both president and managing director.

In his new role he will head both Clinigen’s clinical trial supply business Keats Healthcare and Clinigen GAP, a specialist provider of early- and late-lifecycle prescription drugs, streamlining the two businesses.

Keats Healthcare, which was acquired by Clinigen in 2010, is currently being rebranded as Clinigen CTS.

Commenting on the appointment, Chilton said: “Keats Healthcare and Clinigen GAP are already successful businesses providing standalone services, but they are highly complementary and synergies between the two companies make their combination into a services division compelling.”

He joins the company from KnowledgePoint360 Group, a supplier of healthcare information, and prior to that held positions in sales and marketing at both Pfizer and Sanofi.

Peter George, CEO of Clinigen, said: “Shaun has a strong track record of building and leading high-performance sales and operational teams; driving commercial growth from international businesses; developing highly effective strategies, including major restructurings; and executing new strategies to deliver business goals, improve profitability and meet challenging targets.”

Co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie step aside as company unveils succession plan

Research In Motion's co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie have quit after a tumultuous period at the company, which saw intense competition, and a long services outage at the maker of the BlackBerry.

An insider, Thorsten Heins, who was formerly the COO of the company, has taken charge as president and CEO, to implement the succession plan previously submitted to the Board by the former co-CEOs, RIM said in a statement late Sunday.

Lazaridis and Balsillie have also quit their positions as co-chairmen, and director Barbara Stymiest takes over as the new chairman. Lazaridis, a founder of the company, will become vice chairman, and Balsillie will remain a board member.

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- CHG Healthcare Services announced today that Scott Beck has been promoted to President of the company effective January 3, 2012. Beck will also retain his current position as Chief Operating Officer of the company. Michael Weinholtz, previous president of CHG, will continue in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the company.

"I am delighted with Scott's well-deserved promotion to the position of president," said Weinholtz. "His 12 years of continually-progressive, executive responsibility with CHG have created a deep-rooted experience in all areas of the company. In addition, Scott's outstanding track record as Chief Operating Officer, which has included leading CHG to consistent outperformance of the industry, makes him the ideal person to lead our business to the next level as president."

Beck joined CHG in 1999 and has held the positions of Chief Marketing Officer; President of the company's largest division, CompHealth Locum Tenens; Group President; and Chief Operating Officer, a position he has held since 2008.

More about CHG Healthcare Services

Founded in 1979, CHG Healthcare Services is one of the nation's oldest and largest healthcare staffing firms employing approximately 1,400 professionals across the United States... The company provides a comprehensive service offering that includes temporary and permanent placement of physicians, allied health professionals and nurses to hospitals and healthcare organizations in all 50 states through trusted brands including CompHealth, Weatherby Healthcare, RN Network, and Foundation Medical Staffing. For more information, visit www.chghealthcare.com and follow us on Twitter: @CHGHealthcare, or "like us" on Facebook.

SOURCE: CHG Healthcare Services
       
        CHG Healthcare Services
        Mary Biljanic, Office: 801-930-3149
        Director, Public Relations
        Cell: 801-870-4813
        mary.biljanic@chghealthcare.com
        or
        Linda T. Kennedy, Office: 801-930-3673
        PR Specialist
        Cell: 801-573-0921
        linda.kennedy@chghealthcare.com

For the first time ever, a top Facebook executive is co-chairing the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, further cementing the company’s place as a major player on the international stage.

Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg will co-chair the forum taking place later this month.

Sandberg, a former economist at the World Bank and veteran of the Clinton administration, was interviewed by the forum’s blog and previewed some of this year’s themes.

She talks about the role social media has played in protests in the Middle East to the way consumers shop, and shares her view that, “the wisdom of friends will replace the wisdom of crowds.”

Sandberg touts the success of the Facebook “app economy” in generating more than 200,000 U.S. jobs, and the company’s top apps, such as Zynga and Spotify.

In the past, Facebook has used the meeting of global leaders to test and preview new features. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s chief executive officer, and other company representatives have attended the forum, mingling with reporters, analysts and global leaders.

Today, Facebook Live began  previewing its lineup of guests who will appear in livestreamed interviews taking place at Davos.

In a post on the Facebook Live events page today, the social network says it will once again interview leaders from business, philanthropy, culture and politics at the event.

Interviewees will include International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington, and New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof.

Users can RSVP on the Facebook Live page to receive  updates and to post questions for guests on the livestream.

Do you plan on following the news from the World Economic Forum via Facebook?

RESTON, Va., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- .ORG, The Public Interest Registry (PIR) - manager of the world's third largest generic top-level domain - today named Nancy Gofus as chief operating officer. A long-time veteran of the telecommunications industry, Ms. Gofus will oversee the marketing, sales, product and strategy functions, helping CEO Brian Cute expand PIR's global presence as well as develop and execute marketing strategies that further grow the .ORG domain in existing and new markets.

Currently, Ms. Gofus serves as board chair of the national board for Volunteers of America - a national non-profit dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. In this capacity, she works closely with the executive team on expanding the organization's reach and raising awareness of its efforts in helping senior citizens, veterans, and at-risk youth, children and families nationwide. Previously, Ms. Gofus served as senior vice president of global product management for Verizon Communications in 2009 and chief marketing officer at Verizon Business from 2006 to 2008. In that capacity, she was primarily responsible for delivering and communicating Verizon Business' value proposition by developing and overseeing the marketing strategy, advertising, brand management, and product management. Prior to the Verizon/MCI merger in 2008, Ms. Gofus developed and delivered MCI's new generation of services, guiding the evolution of MCI's product line and helping companies make the transition from traditional data services to IP services.

"Nancy brings to PIR that unique blend of non-profit, marketing and communications experience which directly speaks to PIR's core mission to both serve in the public interest and provide a safe, more secure Internet," said Brian Cute, chief executive officer of PIR. "Nancy's business acumen and international experience will help continue our reputational growth as an exemplary registry and further solidify .ORG's position as the domain of choice for non-profits, individuals and the like. As the Internet grows due to the introduction of new top-level domains, so will PIR's commitment to the public."

Added Ms. Gofus: "As a non-profit, PIR understands the needs of that community and has truly been seen as partner to international organizations looking to build their online presence. I have long admired their work, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Brian and the rest of the PIR team to help advance .ORG's impact and reach on a global scale."

A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Nancy also currently serves on the Foundation board of The College of William and Mary. Previous work experiences include time as executive vice president of marketing and customer care for XO Communications from 2000 to 2003. During her tenure, she helped drive the company's growth from $250 million in revenues to over $1 billion.

About .ORG, The Public Interest RegistryTrusted across all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, .ORG is where people turn to find credible information, get involved, fund causes and support advocacy. .ORG, The Public Interest Registry empowers the global noncommercial community to use the Internet more effectively and, concurrently, takes a leadership position among Internet stakeholders on policy and related issues. The .ORG domain is the Internet's third largest "generic" or non-country specific top-level domain with more than 9 million domain names registered worldwide. .ORG, The Public Interest Registry, was founded by the Internet Society in 2002. It is based in Reston, Virginia, USA.

Michael Clark to Lead Global Sales

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Jan 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- MedQuist Holdings Inc. (nasdaq/gs:MEDH), a leading provider of integrated clinical documentation solutions for the U.S. healthcare system, announced today that Amy Dellamora Amick has been hired as Chief Operating Officer, and Michael Clark has been appointed Executive Vice President, Global Sales.

As Chief Operating Officer, Amick will be charged with managing the company's global service delivery, implementation and support, including consulting and professional services businesses. Overall operational management will be under her direction, along with process architecture execution and improvement.

Before joining MedQuist, Amick served as General Manager, Worldwide Services for Microsoft's Health Solutions Group where she was responsible for Microsoft's global implementation, customer support, customer relationships and training and education. Prior to Microsoft, she served as Senior Vice President, Services for Allscripts Misys where she was accountable for implementation services, transformation services, Allscripts Academy (intra- and external training center) and warehouse operations.

"We are excited to welcome Amy to the MedQuist leadership team," said Vern Davenport, Chairman and CEO of MedQuist Holdings. "Our belief in Collaborative Intelligence requires our COO to understand not only how we as an organization can operate most effectively, but also how we can gain better synergies with our partners across the continuum of care. The healthcare industry is rapidly changing, and our leadership must understand the needs of healthcare across every dimension. Amy understands the drivers required for technology-enabled clinical documentation service leadership and the thought leadership for where the industry is heading tomorrow."

"I am thrilled to be joining the MedQuist team, especially at this point in the company's evolution. We serve in an industry where the provision and support of healthcare services are fragmented. Both the technologies and the people within MedQuist are poised to make a true impact upon the evolution of the industry. I look forward to helping lead this journey," said Amick.

Amick holds an MBA in management and strategy and information management from the Kellogg School of Management Studies at Northwestern University and BA in political science and leadership studies from the University of Richmond.

Clark has held various executive leadership roles with MedQuist since joining the company in 1998, most recently directing the Company's U.S. operational and sales responsibilities. He has facilitated key relationships with clients for clinical documentation improvement initiatives and has also set in motion the utilization of key technology to enhance service delivery. As Executive Vice President , Global Sales, Clark will lead an expanding new business sales force and also has responsibility for account management.

"Michael's unparalleled knowledge of the industry, close client relationships and experienced thought leadership helped build the company as a leader in the transcription services industry today. We are fortunate to have him as a key player on our team, and we look forward to see his continued passion in his new role," said Davenport.

About MedQuist

MedQuist is a leading provider of clinical narrative capture services, Speech Understanding technology from M*Modal and clinical documentation workflow. MedQuist's enterprise solutions -- including mobile voice capture devices, speech recognition, Web-based workflow platforms and global network of medical editors -- help healthcare facilities facilitate adoption of electronic health records (EHR), improve patient care, increase physician satisfaction and lower operational costs. For more information, please visit www.medquist.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Information provided and statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical, such as statements regarding our operational improvement initiatives, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release. Statements made in this press release that are forward-looking in nature may involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including, without limitation, specific factors discussed herein and in other releases and public filings made by the Company (including filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission). Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made in this press release.

SOURCE: MedQuist Holdings Inc.
       
        Investor Contacts:
        MedQuist Holdings Inc.
        Ron Scarboro, 615-798-6630
        Chief Financial Officer
        ronald.scarboro@medquist.com
        or
        Corporate Communications Inc.
        Tripp Sullivan, 615-324-7335
        tripp.sullivan@cci-ir.com
        or
        Media Contact:
        MedQuist Holdings Inc.
        Thomas Mitchell, 615-798-4350
        Director of Marketing
        tmitchell@medquist.com

Manufacturers, auto dealers and analysts set to headline day-long forum hosted by New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, Jan 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nissan and Renault Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn will be the keynote speaker at the April 3 Automotive Forum sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and IHS, and hosted by the New York International Auto Show.

The day-long event at the Grand Hyatt New York, "Defining Success in the Automotive Industry: Staying Competitive in an Uncertain World," brings together industry thought leaders for discussions of critical issues facing the automotive industry and the effect those issues will have on the industry's key stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers and dealers.

Ghosn's keynote address is scheduled for 9:50 a.m. EST

Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A; Ludwig Willisch, president and chief executive officer, BMW North America; Jim Farley, group vice president, global marketing, sales and service, Ford Motor Company; and Reid Bigland, president and chief executive officer, Chrysler Canada, Inc. and president and chief executive officer, Dodge Brand will headline a panel on the Manufacturers' Perspective moderated by Mike Jackson, chairman and chief executive officer of AutoNation.

Other speakers include Chip Perry, president and chief executive officer of AutoTrader.com; Lawrence D. Burns, co-author of Reinventing the Automobile: Personal Urban Mobility for the 21st Century; and Nariman Behravesh, chief economist of IHS. John Casesa, senior managing director of Guggenheim Securities, will moderate a Dealer Perspective panel discussion, and Fortune Magazine Senior Editor Alex Taylor will moderate a media panel discussion.

Additional sponsors include AutoTrader.com, Global Automakers, Dominion Dealer Solutions, The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Ally Auto and NADART.

News Media Registration: Credentialed members of the news media are invited to register to attend the forum at no cost. However, space is limited and you must register in advance. To register, please contact Jim Dorsey or Kate Smith at IHS at jim.dorsey@ihs.com or katherine.smith@ihs.com.

Agenda (as of Jan. 13, 2012)

        7:15 AM - 8:00 AM    Registration and Continental Breakfast
        8:00 AM - 8:15 AM    Opening Remarks
                             Bill Underriner, chairman, NADA
        8:15 AM - 9:15 AM    Defining Success in the Automotive Industry: Staying Competitive
                             in an Uncertain World
                             Nariman Behravesh, chief economist, IHS
                             George Magliano,
                             senior principal automotive economist -- Americas, IHS
        9:15 AM - 9:35 AM    Auto Trader Presentation
                             Chip Perry, chief executive officer and president, AutoTrader.com
        9:35 AM - 9:50 AM    Question and Answer with IHS presenters and Chip Perry, Auto
                             Trader
                             Moderated by: Rebecca Lindland, director of automotive
                             research, IHS
        9:50 AM - 10:25 AM   Keynote Address
                             Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer, Renault-Nissan
                             Alliance
                             Q&A with Mike Jackson, chairman and chief executive
                             officer, AutoNation
        10:25 AM - 10:55 AM  Networking Break
        10:55 AM - 11:45 AM  Panel Discussion - Manufacturer Perspective
                             Moderated by: Mike Jackson, chairman and chief executive
                             officer, AutoNation
                             Jim Lentz - president and chief operating officer, Toyota Motor
                             Sales, U.S.A.
                             Ludwig Willisch - president and chief executive
                             officer, BMW North America
                             Jonathan Browning - VW of North
                             America (invited)
                             Jim Farley - group vice president, global
                             marketing, sales and service, Ford Motor Company
                             Reid Bigland
                             - president and chief executive officer, Chrysler Canada, Inc.;
                             president and chief executive officer, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group
                             LLC; head of U.S. sales, Chrysler Group LLC
        11:45 AM - 12:10 PM  Special Session To Be Announced
        12:10 PM - 1:15 PM   Lunch
        1:15 PM - 2:25 PM    Reinventing the Automobile
                             Lawrence D. Burns, co-author of Reinventing the Automobile:
                             Personal Urban Mobility for the 21st Century
                             Phil Gott,
                             managing director, automotive custom solutions, IHS Automotive
                             Additional
                             speakers to be announced
        2:25 PM - 3:50 PM    Retailer Featured Speaker: "Retailing Trends and Overview of the
                             NADA Facility Study"
                             Glenn Mercer, independent consultant
                             Introduced by
                             Forrest McConnell, NADA board of directors/McConnell Honda,
                             Montgomery, Ala.
        2:50 PM - 3:10 PM    Networking Break
        3:10 PM - 4:10 PM    Panel Discussion -- Retailer Perspective
                             Moderated by: John Casesa, senior managing director,
                             Guggenheim Securities, LLC
                             Craig Monaghan, president and chief executive officer, Asbury
                             Automotive Group
                             Glenn Mercer, independent automotive
                             consultant
                             Thomas F. "Mack" McLarty III, president, McLarty
                             Associates
                             Bill Underriner, Underriner Motors, Billings,
                             Mont./NADA chairman
        4:05 PM - 4:10 PM    Overview of 2012 New York International Auto Show
                             Lou Giordano, chairman of New York Auto Dealer Association
        4:10 PM - 4:55 PM    Media Panel Discussion
                             Summary of the Forum
                             Defining Success in the
                             Automotive Industry: Staying Competitive in a Uncertain World
                             Moderated
                             by: Alex Taylor, senior editor, Fortune Magazine
                             Paul Ingrassia - Reuters
                             Phil LeBeau - CNBC auto reporter
                             Chicago bureau
                             Jason Stein - editor, Automotive News
                             Scott
                             Burgess - auto critic/journalist, Detroit News (Invited)
        4:55 PM - 5:00 PM    Closing Comments
                             Bill Underriner, Underriner Motors, chairman, NADA
        5:00 PM - 7:00 PM    Forum Reception

Additional information and participant registration (for non-journalists) is available at www.autoforumny.com

About IHS ( www.ihs.com )

IHS-0.92% is the leading source of information and insight in critical areas that shape today's business landscape, including energy and power; design and supply chain; defense, risk and security; environmental, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability; country and industry forecasting; and commodities, pricing and cost. Businesses and governments in more than 165 countries around the globe rely on the comprehensive content, expert independent analysis and flexible delivery methods of IHS to make high-impact decisions and develop strategies with speed and confidence. IHS has been in business since 1959 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado., USA, IHS employs more than 5,500 people in more than 30 countries around the world.

IHS is a registered trademark of IHS Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (C) 2012 IHS Inc. All rights reserved.

The NADA Story

The NADA story began in 1917 when 30 auto dealers traveled to the nation's capital to convince Congress not to impose a luxury tax on the automobile. They successfully argued that the automobile is a necessity of American life, not a luxury. From that experience was born the National Automobile Dealers Association. Today, NADA represents nearly 16,000 new-car and -truck dealerships with 32,500 franchises, both domestic and international. For more information, visit www.nada.org .

About the New York International Auto Show

Ushering in the latest motor trends, the 2012 New York International Auto Show will unveil an expansive collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world's automakers will feature the newest vehicles and futuristic concept cars. More than 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display. NYIAS is North America's first and largest-attended auto show. The first exhibition was held in 1900 at Madison Square Garden. Today, the show represents the nation's largest new vehicle market, accounting for more than 840,000 new vehicle registrations in 2008. NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

        Important Show Dates
        Press Preview          April 4 and 5
        Public Sneak Preview   April 6
        Public Show Dates      April 6 - 15
       

www.autoshowny.com

SOURCE: IHS

       
        IHS
        Jim Dorsey
        +1 781 301 9069
        jim.dorsey@ihs.com
        or
        IHS Press Desk
        +1 303 305 8021
        press@ihs.com
        or
        NADA
        Charles Cyrill
        +1 703 821 7121
        +1 216 870 8837 (m)
        CCYRILL@nada.org

Christopher Riopelle was named senior vice president of operations for Denver-based DaVita Inc., the company announced today.

Riopelle is returning to DaVita, a kidney-care services provider, after working in the private health-care sector for the past three years.

Riopelle worked for DaVita for eight years in a variety of roles.

Riopelle has nearly 20 years of experience in the health-care industry. He most recently served La Vie Care Centers, a private equity-owned skilled nursing company as chief operating officer.

In the eight years he worked for DaVita, Riopelle served as vice president of corporate development, chief compliance officer, the company said. He played a key role in the development of the DaVita Redwoods program and was the co-founder of Tour DaVita.

Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com

Jan 23, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) --

Credo Petroleum Corporation, an oil and gas company, has promoted Michael Davis to the position of COO. Mr Davis will also serve as interim CEO when, as previously reported, Marlis Smith, Jr steps down at the end of January to return to full time management of his personal oil and gas business.

Mr Davis has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Prior to Credo, Mr Davis served as Manager of Acquisitions & Divestitures at privately held Aviva, Inc. where he managed the company's oil and gas acquisition and divestiture activities covering over 6,000 properties throughout 24 states.

Previous to Aviva, Mr Davis served as vice president of Land & Business Development at DRM Energy Corporation where he was responsible for corporate business development and strategic planning for the expansion and development of E & P opportunities in the domestic US on behalf of a multi-billion dollar international joint venture group comprised of Neumin Production Company (USA), Formosa Petrochemical Corporation (FPCC‑ Taiwan) and Formosa Plastics (FPC-USA).

Mr Davis has also held senior-level positions with publically held Cimarex Energy and privately held Anschutz Exploration Company, and has owned personal business ventures involved in oil and gas leases, royalty acquisitions and property management.

James T. Huffman, Chairman, stated, "Credo's timely decision to become primarily an oil producer has allowed us to capitalize on the huge price gap between oil and natural gas. That success is clearly reflected in the Company's financial performance and reserve values at fiscal year end 2011. Marlis did an excellent job of executing our drilling program which proved our technical concepts and converted our projects into repeatable and scalable exploration plays. We are grateful for his two years of chief executive service, and we are pleased that Credo will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience as a Board member."

http://www.datamonitor.com

Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon

Copyright (C) 2012 Datamonitor. All rights reserved ********************************************************************** As of Thursday, 01-19-2012 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend® Alert, an automated pattern recognition system, indicated an UPTREND on 10-25-2011 for CRED @ $8.79. For more information on SmarTrend, contact your market data provider or go to www.mysmartrend.com SmarTrend is a registered trademark of Comtex News Network, Inc. Copyright © 2004-2012 Comtex News Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

Margaret Vosburgh will join Stanford Hospital & Clinics as chief operating officer on Feb. 13. She will be responsible for overall operations at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, reporting directly to president and CEO Amir Dan Rubin.

Vosburgh previously served as executive vice president and COO for Tufts Medical Center in Boston, the primary teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine. Tufts Medical Center is comprised of the adult hospital and the Floating Hospital for Children. Under her leadership, Tufts experienced a 20 percent growth in admissions and improved its ranking in the UHC Academic Medical Centers’ annual quality and accountability study to sixth from 37th.

Before Tufts, Vosburgh served as deputy executive director and COO of Long Island Jewish Hospital, part of the $4 billion Northshore-LIJ Health System, the nation’s third-largest nonprofit secular health system.

“Margaret brings a world of talent and energy, along with an impressive track record in academic medical centers and health systems,” Rubin said. “We are delighted to have her join our team.”

Vosburgh earned an MBA from the University of Southern California and is a fellow of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. She has held faculty positions at UCLA and the University of Washington. In addition, she holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing. She also has worked as a cardiovascular clinical nurse specialist in critical care and has had direct accountability for peri-operative services at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, as well as at Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y.

Vosburgh said she is excited about coming to Stanford. “The opportunity to work with Amir and the faculty and staff at Stanford was so enticing,” she said. “The intellectual capital at Stanford is staggering and, when harnessed, all things are possible and all goals attainable.

“I was especially impressed with Amir’s commitment to quality patient care and the patient experience. I look forward to fostering an environment where faculty and staff thrive.”

Margaret Vosburgh

CALGARY, ALBERTA, Jan 23, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Harvest Operations Corp. ("Harvest" or the "Company") on behalf of the Board of Directors would like to announce that effective January 23, 2012 Mr. Robert A. Pearce has been appointed COO of the Company. Mr. Pearce will report to the recently appointed CEO, Mr. Myunghuhn Yi.

Mr. Pearce joined Harvest last year as Vice President, Corporate Development & Treasurer. He has become a valuable member of Harvest's senior management team with over 25 years of technical and business experience within the areas of corporate development, general management, debt and equity finance, strategy and planning. Mr. Pearce has an undergraduate degree in Geological Engineering and an MBA in Finance.

"We are pleased to appoint Rob to the position of COO of Harvest", said Dr. Seong-Hoon Kim, Chairman of the Board. "His experience, business skills and energy are tremendous additions to Harvest's management team".

CORPORATE PROFILE

Harvest is a wholly-owned, non-guaranteed subsidiary of Korea National Oil Corporation ("KNOC"). Harvest is a significant operator in Canada's energy industry offering stakeholders exposure to an integrated structure with Upstream (exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas) and Downstream (refining and marketing of distillate, gasoline and fuel oil) segments. Our Upstream oil and gas production is weighted approximately 70% to crude oil and liquids and 30% to natural gas and is complemented by our long-life refining and marketing business. Harvest's outstanding debentures are traded on the TSX under the symbols "HTE.DB.D", "HTE.DB.E", "HTE.DB.F" and "HTE.DB.G".

KNOC is a state owned oil and gas company engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas along with storing petroleum resources. KNOC will fully establish itself as a global government-run petroleum company by applying ethical, sustainable and environment-friendly management and by taking corporate social responsibility seriously at all times. For more information on KNOC, please visit their website at www.knoc.co.kr/ENG/main.jsp .

       
        Contacts:
        Harvest Operations Corp.
        Kari Sawatzky
        Manager, Investor Relations Calgary
        information@harvestenergy.ca
       
        Harvest Operations Corp.
        2100, 330 - 5th Avenue S.W.
        Toll Free Investor Mailbox: (866) 666-1178
 
www.harvestenergy.ca

CONTACT:
Bill Shepard
Chief Operating Officer Business Forum, Inc.
(408) 292-1593 phone
(408) 521-2180 fax
bshepard@COOForum.org
http://www.COOForum.org

Saratoga, California, March 3, 2008 -- Last month at the COO Forum, six Northern California meetings were held in San Jose, San Francisco, San Ramon, San Carlos, Monterey, and Marin. During these meetings, Members explored the challenges of leadership and decision-making in a recession. The meetings were attended by 46 COOs and Second-in-Command Executives across a spectrum of company sizes and industries. This article documents consensus thinking of the Members and guests at the COO Forum during these February 2008 meetings.

The Members drew no conclusion on whether the economy is or is not in a recession, knowing that the usual definition of two quarters of negative growth can only be determined after a recession has been in effect for six months. The Members also acknowledge that in a recession, not all regions, industries, and companies will experience the same brunt. While the overall opinion of the COOs is that if a company is being run 100% effectively, there are few, if any, changes necessary. Recognizing the truth that many companies will not hold up to the 100% standard, the Members identified best practices for being a COO of a company heading into recessionary times.

Scenario Contingency Planning
The initial best practice for COOs and their companies is to create a ‘no surprises’ approach to short-term scenario and contingency planning. The belief of COO Forum Members is that a divergent spectrum of ‘what if’ approaches must be explored in conjunction with multiple options and outcomes. As one COO indicated “We have created several different plans that only the Board and C-level knows about. We don’t want to scare our employees or stockholders, but we must be able to move with agility and efficiency if a recession begins to impact our operations.”

Maintain a Tight, Balanced Financial and Operational Approach While this is a seen as a best practice everyday, the COOs felt that higher emphasis on tight and balanced operational and financial decision-making was crucial in recessionary times. The discussions focused on the axiom ‘cash is king,’ recognizing that in recessionary times prudent use of cash may avoid liquidity challenges. As one COO indicated, “If we don’t have enough cash, we won’t make the best decisions.” The Members felt that revenue and margin pressures would occur and were concerned with demands to sacrifice margin, which was viewed as a slippery slope to watch closely. Other discussion emphasized tight expense control; thoughtful deployment of capital and longer term outlays; strong inventory level management; forceful collections; scrutinizing customer credit limits; and negotiation of better terms from suppliers, service providers, and contractors.

Look to Shedding Unprofitable Assets and Activities
The COOs felt that companies often hang on to unprofitable efforts due to the robust nature of their entire business. In a time of projected slowdown, extricating marginal and losing efforts may prove to be most sound. Area of suggestion from the COO Forum meeting included the following: plants, offices, equipment, product lines, suppliers, customers, divisions, businesses, and business processes.

Deal with Unnecessary Headcount
“Now is the time start the process of shedding low performing and unneeded employees and contractors before it’s too late,” indicated one COO. When those around the table reflected on lessons learned from prior recessions, getting the head count number right early on would have had a huge positive impact on a company’s success in riding out the recession.

Dial-up Communications
With all the media noise, COO Forum Members see employees becoming nervous. Employees sense the job losses and companies in trouble all around them and worry about their company. The prevailing COO message from the meetings was that increasing communication is the best practice. Employees want to know that leadership understands the economic realities and has plans to succeed in the potentially more challenging time. Employees want to hear from leadership more frequently. “If we don’t answer the employee communications need, the water cooler talk will answer it for us” said one COO. “What we say to our people is far more helpful to us and our company’s morale than leaving it to the grapevine.”

Hold Back Some of the CEOs Exuberance
COOs have the highest regard for their CEOs and appreciate the CEOs important responsibility to inspire, create a bold vision, and lead the company into the future. However, there is a belief that recessionary times call for the CEO to adopt a less optimistic and more down-to-earth charter for the company. The role of the Second-in-Command is one of appropriate tactics to deliver results. Bringing their CEO closer to the factual realities of the economic times becomes a COO mandate.

Exploit the Upside Opportunities
As with all downturns, there is an increase in turmoil and change which always presents opportunities for strong companies to become even stronger. The COOs indicated many ideas including: new acquisitions; attracting new customers from weak competitors; availability of great new employees; opportunities to open new markets; a great time to launch new products; and improving relationships and effectiveness within the supply chain. “We are a very solid company and I know that we’ll benefit from the shake-out of our weaker competitors,” said one COO.

About the COO Forum: The COO Forum was founded in 2004 in the Greater San Francisco Bay/Silicon Valley Area by Bill Shepard, Executive Director. The association has become the professional development home for Chief Operating Officers and Second-in-Command Executives. The association recognizes the significant role the COO plays as the senior leader responsible for taking their company’s vision and delivering results. As a result of the COO Forum’s continued success and growth in Northern California since its inception in 2004, the COO Forum 2008 initiative is to include COOs and Second-in-Command Executives globally. COO Forum and Chief Operating Officer Business Forum are registered trademarks of the Chief Operating Officer Business Forum, Inc.