Stephen Von Rump Named VTEL's Chief Operating Officer; In New
Position Will Oversee All Company Operations.
Business Wire, Feb 3, 1999 p0164
Full Text
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--VTEL(R) Corporation (NASDAQ:VTEL) today announced the appointment of Stephen Von Rump to the position of chief operating officer (COO), reporting to Jerry S. Benson Jr., president and CEO.
In his new assignment, Von Rump is responsible for the company's day-to-day operations and continues to oversee VTEL's worldwide marketing and communications strategy and execution. Von Rump had served as chief marketing officer since joining VTEL in October 1998.
"The Board of Directors, our executive management team and our employees all have been impressed with Stephen's leadership skills, cutting-edge marketing experience, understanding of the Internet and networking, and strategic business expertise," said Benson. "As COO, Stephen assumes an expanded role in guiding the company's business, products and marketing strategy to enhance VTEL's performance and growth."
"Stephen's qualifications are perfect for this promotion. His experience in the telecommunications and Internet industries, both of which are key to the future of conferencing and visual communications will enable Von Rump, alongside Jerry Benson, the opportunity to usher in a new era for VTEL products and services," said Christine Perey, videoconferencing industry analyst and author, Perey Research and Consulting, Placerville, Calif.
Before joining VTEL Von Rump spent 12 years at MCI Corporation (NASDAQ:WCOM). As MCI's vice president, Enterprise Services Marketing, he led the transition of their enterprise business product offerings from legacy data services into the new era of virtual data and Internet services, culminating in the merger of MCI and WorldCom.
"Videoconferencing and collaboration are beginning their entry into the mainstream of business communications," said Von Rump. "VTEL has outstanding products and people, and I'm excited about the opportunity to lead our business into that mainstream."
Renewed confidence in VTEL's outlook was marked by Von Rump's arrival in October, beginning a series of insider stock purchases by the entire executive management team. VTEL topped today's Wall Street Journal "Insider Trading Spotlight" as the company with the biggest net positive change. |
