Founder Jim Bidzos takes over Verisign's executive chairman, president and CEO
05 Jul 2008
Internet security certification provider VeriSign today said that its board of directors has named Jim Bidzos executive chairman, on an interim basis. Additionally, the board of directors elected Bidzos president and chief executive officer, on an interim basis, replacing William A. Roper, who resigned from the company and the board of directors effective 30 June 2008.
As the company's founder and initial CEO, Bidzos has served as either chairman or vice chairman of the board of directors of VeriSign since April 1995and has also served in both senior-executive and board level capacities with RSA from 1986 to 2002.
"VeriSign remains committed to our strategy of focusing the company on its core businesses while continuing the divestiture of all non-core operations, which will proceed as planned. We continue to expect that most sale transactions will be substantially completed this year,'' said Bidzos. "As chairman during the last year, I have been actively involved with VeriSign's management team and I now look forward to capitalising on the company's growth opportunities within its core businesses and new opportunities that align with the company's core competencies."
Bidzos said, ''Over the last year, Bill Roper led the development and implementation of the company's strategy to focus the company on its core businesses. He's also improved the company's capital structure with the repurchase of more than 28 per cent of the shares outstanding. We appreciate Bill's contributions in implementing this divestiture strategy, which the board and the company are fully committed to continuing.''
Roper said, ''I have enjoyed my association with VeriSign immensely. The success of our strategy of focusing the company on its core capabilities in internet infrastructure is reflected in improved operating and financial results. I wish the best for my former colleagues as I move on to the next chapter in my career."
VeriSign also announced that it expects revenue for its second quarter 2008 will meet or exceed current consensus estimates as reported by Thomson Financial. The company will announce second quarter 2008 financial results on 6 August 2008.
