The Ascom Board of Directors has appointed Rudolf Hadorn, CFO since November 1, 2002, as CEO, effective June 1, 2004. At the Annual General Meeting of May ’04, Juhani Anttila is expected to be reflected as Ascom Board Chairman and will focus thereafter again to his Chairman role. Mr. Anttila has served in that position since May 14, 2002 and, from January 1, 2003, took on CEO responsibilities as well. Following Ascom’s stabilization and pursuant to the announcement made at the launch of the personnel union, Ascom thus ends the state of one individual holding both positions.
In December ’02, Ascom was in difficulty. Its Board of Directors then made the decision to place the company’s strategic and operational control in the hands of one individual. The Board members believed this step to be both justified and necessary, at that point of time. The separation of these two functions, after stabilisation of the situation, should take place as soon as possible, however not later than after 24 months.
Due to fast progress of Ascom in coping with the difficult situation, nothing stands in the way of a timely return to a normal management organisation in June 2004. Mr. Hadorn brings to his job broad international experience in various functions. He is already familiar with Ascom’s operations, thus ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in the implementation of the strategy mandated by the Board in June ’02. The appointment of a new CFO will complete the management team at the earliest possible date. Following his re-election, Mr. Anttila will again devote his full attention to the chairmanship of the Board.
The members of the Board wish to thank Mr. Anttila for his successful work in both functions. They welcome his renewed candidacy as Chairman. Together with the Board and his management team, Mr. Anttila has succeeded in a speedy implementation of the strategy of June ’02, which he helped to shape to a considerable degree, to improve the profitability of Ascom’s core businesses, to strengthen its balance sheet and to get Ascom back on course, giving it and its workforce good future prospects.
About Ascom
Ascom is an international solution supplier with a comprehensive technology know-how. In the areas Transport Revenue (revenue collection, toll collection and parking systems), Security Solutions (applications for security, communications, automation and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army), Network Integration (network solutions in the data/voice convergence market) and Wireless Solutions (high quality on-site communications solutions) with many years of experience in the execution of complex projects for demanding customers the company has established itself in important key markets. Ascom's offering covers analysis and consulting, system design and system integration, project management, engineering and implementation, and goes right through to maintenance and support. The company has subsidiaries in 23 countries and has a staff of more than 5,000 employees worldwide. The Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are quoted on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.
