VirtenSysTM, Ltd., the emerging leader in I/O virtualization solutions – a crucial new technology that enables organizations to optimize the data centers in their IT infrastructure to improve performance and reduce total cost of ownership – announced it has appointed a new president and CEO, Ahmet Houssein, and a new chairman of its board of directors, Andy Roberts. In addition, it has expanded its sales and systems engineering executive teams and located its U.S. headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., as it embarks on an aggressive expansion drive.
Well-known technology industry veteran Houssein comes to VirtenSys with expertise in successfully building and growing high-tech organizations. He has more than 30 years of industry experience, most recently as president and CEO of Silverback Systems (sold to Brocade in 2007). Prior to that, Houssein was vice president and general manager of Adaptec’s Storage Solutions Group, and general manager of Intel Corporation’s Home Server Operation.
Roberts brings more than 30 years of industry experience to his board role with VirtenSys. He is also chairman of Kewill Systems Plc (LSE:KWL) and Vega Group Plc (LSE:VEG). In addition to his public company roles, he is chairman of IPaccess and Surfkitchen. Most recently, Roberts was with Data Sciences, which was acquired by IBM. While there, he served as CEO and as director of both the Mid-Range Systems ICL and the Systems Integration Division.
Stuart Paterson, partner, Scottish Equity Partners, said, “These new appointments are a real coup for VirtenSys. Both Ahmet Houssein and Andy Roberts have impressive track records and Ahmet brings deep knowledge of the sector through his previous involvement in PCI Express standards at Intel. Both of them are well connected and respected in the industry and their expertise will enable VirtenSys to achieve its full potential in a fast-growing sector.”
“This is a critical time for VirtenSys as it prepares to bring its innovative technology and I/O virtualization systems to market,” said Houssein. “The target market opportunity is huge and we already see a strong demand for the company’s products from key customers. VirtenSys engineering talent, the IP the company has amassed, and its capabilities and accomplishments to-date make this an exciting venture with which to be associated.”
The company’s executive team has been expanded to incorporate key talent into sales and product development. Steve Calkins joins the company as vice president of worldwide sales, Manoj Agnihotri as vice president of systems development, and Hong Wong as director of hardware architecture.
Prior to joining VirtenSys, Calkins served as vice president of worldwide sales for Silverback Systems, and before that as vice president of sales and marketing for Adaptec, Inc. Agnihotri has more than 16 years of experience in strategic planning, architecture, and engineering management of system-level products. Prior to joining VirtenSys, Agnihotri was with Intel for 12 years, where, most recently, he led strategy development and planning for three generations of Centrino platform key initiatives. Wong has more than 22 years of system architecture, design, and project management experience at IBM, Sequent Computers (acquired by IBM), and most recently at Intel.
“I am confident and pleased that we now have the right talent to deliver on the company’s vision,” said Houssein. “This is a high-caliber group of executives.”
The company opened its new U.S. headquarters and systems engineering design center in the Creekside Business Park in Beaverton, Ore., the heart of Silicon Forest. This location enables the company to tap into a vast pool of engineering and system expertise as it expands its presence in the U.S. The office in Manchester, U.K. remains the corporate headquarters.
About VirtenSys, Ltd.
VirtenSys is the emerging leader in I/O virtualization solutions for data centers. I/O virtualization is a crucial new technology that enables organizations to optimize data centers in their IT infrastructure to improve performance and reduce total cost of ownership. VirtenSys Direct I/O Virtualization products are based on the industry-standard PCI Express I/O interface. They will deliver the high utilization and enhanced manageability for commodity data centers that is now only available in high-end proprietary systems.
VirtenSys was incorporated in December 2005 and is led by a team of system and semiconductor veterans. The company is privately held with initial funding from Scottish Equity Partners, Celtic House Venture Partners and GIMV. Its corporate headquarters are in Manchester, U.K. and its U.S. headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. The company is currently in quiet mode about its technology. For more information about the company, visit www.virtensys.com.