Geoworks Adds Strategic Business Leaders to Its Board of Directors
New Board Members Add Financial and Internet Expertise as Geoworks Shapes the Future of the Mobile Medium
ALAMEDA, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Geoworks Corporation (Nasdaq: GWRX - news), a pioneer in mobile data communications services and technologies for the business and consumer markets, today announced the appointment of three new members to the company's Board of Directors. Kevin Fitzgerald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neff Corporation, offers extensive financial expertise through his investment banking background while David Neylon, former Chief Operations Officer of LookSmart, Ltd., brings insight into the Internet industry and mindset of the interactive consumer. Stephen Baker, Geoworks Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer was also appointed to the board.
``Kevin and David bring diverse backgrounds and experiences that Geoworks will leverage to advance our mission of enabling businesses to deliver mobilized Internet services for our customers, and Steve has been instrumental in driving the changes that have repositioned Geoworks over the last year,' said Dave Grannan, President and CEO of Geoworks. ``Their combined counsel and direction will be invaluable to Geoworks' executive team as we further define the potential of the mobile medium.'
Kevin Fitzgerald brings many years of finance and management experience to the Geoworks Board of Directors. Fitzgerald is currently the President, CEO and a Director of Neff Corporation, one of the largest equipment rental companies in the United States. In his previous role as Senior Vice President of the investment banking firm Houlihan Lokey Howard and Zukin, Fitzgerald developed extensive relationships within the financial industry. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Supercanal Holdings, S.A., one of the largest South American cable TV providers, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Movilpage Communications, Inc., a South American wireless broadband and paging services provider.
``As mobile communication devices become ubiquitous in today's fast-paced world, Geoworks continues to bring innovative technology and services to the business and consumer markets,' said Kevin Fitzgerald. ``I am excited to contribute to Geoworks' expanding role as a leader in the wireless industry.'
David Neylon is the former COO of LookSmart, a leading global Internet search and directory company, where he held broad management responsibilities for sales, engineering, new business development and syndication programs. Prior to joining LookSmart, Neylon developed an interactive entertainment community as the Senior Vice President at WorldPlay Entertainment, which was subsequently sold to America Online. He also led Strategic Planning for AT&T's Consumer Products division and many of their high-tech start-up investments.
``Through my prior experience, I was able to develop strong operational skills and background in the fast moving Internet context,' said David Neylon. ``As the mobile medium shapes the future of the Internet, I look forward to helping drive Geoworks to sustain a pivotal role within the convergence of the Internet and wireless medium.'
As Geoworks Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Baker is responsible for the financial operation and strategy for the company. Baker has more than 18 years of finance experience with publicly traded technology and communications companies. Prior to joining Geoworks, Baker was Vice President and Controller for Lucent Technologies and Octel Communications.
Before that, Baker was chief financial officer for the Software Systems Group of Bell Communications Research, and for Unix System Laboratories, a worldwide software company with revenues in excess of $100 million. Baker has also held financial management positions with Novell, Inc. and AT&T Corp. |
