IDEX strengthens executive team and appoints new CEO
IDEX appoints Hemant Mardia as CEO. Ralph W. Bernstein continues as CTO.
In line with IDEX’s strategic growth plans, the company has appointed Hemant Mardia as CEO. Hemant will lead the business as it commercialises its leading fingerprint biometric sensor technology and unique IP portfolio for mass market secure identification, including mobile communications, cards and adjacent market applications.
“I am very excited to join IDEX as CEO. Following Apple’s acquisition of Authentec last year, I believe that IDEX is uniquely placed with IP and patents to exploit the transformation of digital ID security through fingerprint recognition. IDEX has the earliest, core fundamental patents for low cost fingerprint sensors and a unique patent cross licence agreement with Apple/Authentec, making IDEX an important player in the multi-billion dollar market opportunity for mobile communications, cards and new consumer devices. I look forward to working with the IDEX team and international partners to fully leverage IDEX’s patent position, rapidly commercialise the technology and deliver significant shareholder value growth,” said Hemant Mardia.
Hemant has a proven track record leading high growth technology businesses in executive and technical roles. He was formerly CEO of Filtronic Plc, a London Stock Exchange listed business in the telecoms sector. He brings extensive commercial, technical, M&A and investor relations experience to IDEX. Hemant has successfully developed strategic partnerships as a key supplier of innovative electronic components for tier one global mobile telecom OEMs, network operators, security and defence system integrators. He has founded businesses in emerging sectors and developed international teams across Europe, USA and the Far East, with world class, cost efficient design and manufacturing capabilities.
Hemant has a Ph.D in electronics and has developed innovative technologies and products within multiple market sectors including advanced semiconductors, mobile telecoms infrastructure and aerospace.
“We are delighted to welcome Hemant to the business and he brings a wealth of experience. Hemant has developed successful technology businesses and his background and track record make him the right person to deliver according to our strategic plans”, said Morten Opstad, chairman of IDEX.
Ralph W. Bernstein who has served IDEX in the combined CEO/CTO role since 2008 will continue in the CTO position.
“We would like to thank Ralph for his significant contribution in developing IDEX’s business and product strategy, and bringing IDEX’s SmartFinger IP and innovative technology to the market. With the growing number of advanced partner programs, Ralph will concentrate on his role as IDEX’s CTO, in order to expand IDEX’s technology and IP strategy, said Morten Opstad.
Hemant Mardia will commence office as soon as practical. In the interim Ralph Bernstein will be acting CEO.
7 May 2013
IDEX ASA
www.idexbiometrics.com
Press contact
Inge Berge, VP Business Development and IR, +47 9326 8836, inge.berge@idexbiometrics.com
About IDEX
IDEX ASA specialises in fingerprint imaging and recognition technology. IDEX’s vision is to ensure individuals a safe, secure, and user-friendly use of personal ID. IDEX has developed the award-winning SmartFinger® technology platform based on the Company’s core intellectual property, including the patented fingerprint imaging principle, sensing scheme and chip design. Combined with core software solutions for imaging and authentication, the SmartFinger technology enables on-device enrollment, template storage and verification within the very same module. SmartFinger solutions can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of embedded applications such as mobile phones, one-time password devices, Smartcards, payment and ID cards, payment terminals, access control devices and biometric security and login tokens.
IDEX ASA (ticker IDEX) is a Norwegian public company listed at the Oslo Axess marketplace on the Oslo Børs (Oslo stock exchange). For more information, please visit www.idexbiometrics.com or contact IDEX at mailbox@idexbiometrics.com
