Technology - HumanWare Appoints New CEO

Hi

This looks a good appointment to me.  Try googling for him.

ChristChurch, March 6th, 2006 --
HumanWare, the leading provider of information access products for blind, visually
impaired and learning disabled customers, today announced the appointment of Dr Richard
Mander as its new CEO following the death of Dr Russell Smith and his wife Marian
in a plane crash in August last year.
Dr Mander has a strong background in technology, research and product development.
He has a particular interest in the human interface with technology.  Dr Mander worked
for 14 years in the
United States
, including seven years at Apple Computer.  After leaving Apple, he spent seven years
as a consultant advising technology companies on customer-centred product design
and methods for improving product development.   He has advised international companies
on these matters and in 2004 received the World Class New Zealander Award from New
Zealand Trade and
Enterprise
.  This is an annual award for New Zealanders working oversees who make an outstanding
contribution to
New Zealand
’s economic development.
Dr Mander was appointed as Chief Technology Officer at Navman in
New Zealand in 2004.
Dr Mander has a Ph.D in educational psychology from
Stanford University in the United States
.  He is married with four children and lives in
Christchurch, New Zealand.
“We are very pleased to be able to appoint a person of the calibre of Dr Mander”,
said Tim Robinson, Chairman of the board of HumanWare.  “His experience in research
and development and understanding of how products can be better designed to meet
customers’ needs will be invaluable for HumanWare.”
Dr Mander said, “I am very excited about this opportunity and the challenges that
lie ahead.  HumanWare has some clever technology and great products.  I am looking
forward to working with the team there to take the company to the next stage of its
development.”
Gilles Pepin has been Acting CEO of the group since the death of Dr Smith.  Mr Robinson
said that HumanWare has a significant presence in
Canada
and Mr Pepin will return to his CEO role of HumanWare
Canada
. “Gilles has done an outstanding job as Acting CEO over the last six months,” said
Mr Robinson.  “He has successfully led the company through a difficult period following
Russell’s death.  We are indebted to Gilles and on behalf of the board I express
our thanks to him.  Gilles will continue to play a major part in the further development
and growth of HumanWare through his role in
Canada
and as a director of the company.”
About HumanWare
HumanWare designs and manufactures innovative technology for people who are visually
impaired and learning disabled. Formed in 1988, and formerly known as Pulse Data
International, HumanWare exports approximately 98% of its products worldwide to more
than 30 countries.  In January 2005, Pulse Data and VisuAide of Canada merged to
form HumanWare, one of the world’s largest companies in the blindness and low vision
industries.  Sales offices have been established in the
United States, United Kingdom,
Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia and
New Zealand
and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America,
Europe, Asia and the
Middle East.
Contact:
Tim Robinson,
Chairman of the Board,
HumanWare