Vancouver, Canada: June 13, 2014 – Absolute® Software Corporation (“Absolute” or the “Company”) (TSX: ABT), the industry standard for persistent endpoint security and management solutions for computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones, today announced that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Geoff Haydon, formerly of EMC Corporation, as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors.
“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Geoff’s caliber join to lead Absolute,” stated Mr. Daniel P. Ryan, Chairman of Absolute. “With his background in enterprise security software and his proven track record of growth and experience in both North American and global markets, he is the right person to take Absolute to the next level in terms of revenue growth, global reach and increased profitability.”
Mr. Haydon brings more than 20 years of IT experience to the role. He has successfully built high performance teams and led businesses in the Americas, the Asia Pacific region and EMEA. Most recently he was Chief Operating Officer for EMC’s Asia-Pacific and Japan region. In that role he led a cross-functional team that drove the multi-billion dollar business unit. Prior to this role, Mr. Haydon was Vice President of Americas Sales at RSA, a division of EMC, where he was responsible for creating and executing RSA’s market strategies. Under his leadership, RSA’s business in the Americas consistently outperformed its business and market share objectives and delivered strong double-digit growth. Before the Americas position, Mr. Haydon ran the RSA business for Asia Pacific and Japan where he more than doubled RSA’s market share in the region.
“I am tremendously excited about the opportunity to join the team at Absolute and to build on the Company’s past success,” said Mr. Haydon. “Absolute has a unique solution portfolio that addresses the key security and management challenges that organizations are facing with the rise of mobility. With a broad product portfolio, diverse customer base and strong financial foundation, Absolute is extremely well-positioned to take advantage of this multi-billion market opportunity.”
Mr. Haydon is a Dean Honour’s List graduate from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He will join Absolute on July 7 and will relocate to Absolute’s corporate head office in Vancouver, Canada.
With the appointment of Mr. Haydon and as part of the leadership transition plan, Mr. Rob Chase, Absolute’s Chief Operating Officer, has announced he is leaving the Company to pursue other interests. Mr. Chase’s departure will be effective June 18, however he will continue to be involved with the company in a more limited capacity as a strategic advisor. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Chase for his fourteen years of service and dedication to the Company.
Mr. Errol Olsen, who has served as interim Chief Executive Officer, will continue in his role as Absolute’s Chief Financial Officer. “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Errol for taking on the added responsibilities of the interim CEO role and continuing to drive Absolute toward achievement of its strategic goals,” stated Mr. Ryan.