Micro Focus® (LSE.MCRO.L), (“Micro Focus” or the “Company”), the leading provider of enterprise application modernisation, testing and management solutions, announces the appointment of Nigel Clifford as Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 1 May 2010.
Nigel Clifford will bring to Micro Focus nearly thirty years of leadership experience at international technology companies. Prior to its acquisition by Nokia in December 2008, Clifford was Chief Executive Office of Symbian Limited, the UK based software development and licensing company. He led Nokia’s successful integration of Symbian and then became Senior Vice President Strategy, Technology & Architecture, Devices at Nokia. In Clifford’s three years at Symbian the company trebled revenues and became the international leader in advanced mobile operating systems. In addition, Clifford has held leadership roles at Cable & Wireless, Tertio Telecoms Ltd and BT plc.
Nigel Clifford is currently a non executive director of Anite plc. There is no other information required to be disclosed under paragraph 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules.
Kevin Loosemore, Chairman of Micro Focus, commented:
“Nigel has extensive leadership experience having been a chief executive of various companies for more than 14 years, nine of which have been in the software industry. Following an extensive search, characterised by high quality candidates, I am delighted to welcome Nigel to Micro Focus. Nigel’s experience of large scale and complex environments mean he is ideally qualified to lead the Company through its next phase of development and growth. Nigel is a valuable addition to the Board and I look forward to working with him to further strengthen Micro Focus’ operational execution; to address the considerable market opportunity available to the company; and to continue to deliver compelling financial returns.”
About Micro Focus:
Micro Focus, a member of the FTSE 250, provides innovative software that allows companies to dramatically improve the business value of their enterprise applications. Micro Focus Enterprise Application Modernization, Testing and Management software enables customers’ business applications to respond rapidly to market changes and embrace modern architectures with reduced cost and risk. For additional information please visit www.microfocus.com
Nigel Clifford Career Information:
Nigel Clifford was Chief Executive Officer at Symbian Ltd for three years up to its acquisition by Nokia in December 2008. Since that time he has been Senior Vice President Strategy, Technology & Architecture, Devices at Nokia. Prior to leading Symbian, Clifford was Chief Executive Officer at Tertio Telecoms Ltd for five years. At Tertio, he led a corporate turnaround before its sale to NASDAQ-listed Evolving Systems. Before this, Clifford worked at Cable & Wireless as Senior Vice President, Service Delivery, as part of the UK Board of Management with responsibility for all customer orders and a team of 2,000 staff. Prior to his Cable & Wireless role, Clifford spent six years as Chief Executive of Glasgow Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, leading 5,000 staff across five city centre hospitals. Clifford began his career at BT, rising to Head of Business Strategy & Development for BT Mobile after ten years across a range of operational, product management and sales roles.