Q-Labs Appoints Paul Hookham as Head of UK and Ireland Operations

Q-Labs Appoints Paul Hookham as Head of UK and Ireland Operations 12 December, 2000-London-- Paul Hookham, has been appointed as Vice President and Head of Q-Labs' UK and Ireland operations. Mr. Hookham has some 30 years experience in the IT industry, predominantly in Financial Services. Q-Labs is a leader in the provision of software engineering services to major world corporations. Q-Labs' core business is in managing software risks for companies with a large or critical software dependency. The services offered range from high quality software engineering from its UK based Q-Cell operation to consultancy services in business performance improvement based on people, process and technology programmes. Q-Labs' key international clients include Alcatel, Asea Brown Boveri , Ericsson, France Telecom, IBM and Robert Bosch. The company currently enjoys a strong position in the European market place, and is making in-roads into the U.S. market. In 1999, Q-Labs' revenues amounted to approximately £12 million (SEK 170 million) (pro forma). Software systems supporting new products, as well as manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly complex, which increases the need for systematical risk management of software and system engineering. The global market for software engineering services is today estimated to more than USD 800 million (£565 million), and is expected to grow by 30 per cent annually in the years to come. "Q-Labs' business approach is unique - we are the only company that delivers both IT consultancy services and software engineering solutions to our clients. Using our skills in different technologies, we start with the business requirements and work with our clients right through to completion," said Paul Hookham. "This concept makes our future prospects very favourable and Q-Labs will need to intensify its recruitment drive in order to meet the increased demand for our services," he added. "One of my first priorities for the UK and Ireland operations will be to continue the progress of further strengthening our partnerships with our world class customers. We will also pursue the ongoing development of new technologies," Hookham said. CEO Geir Fagerhus said, "Paul's extensive experience in Financial Services, combined with the excellent work he has accomplished at Q-Labs, makes him well-positioned to further strengthen Q-Labs' brand." "Furthermore, Paul's aim is to build on the existing skills of Q-Labs' employees in a drive to expand services in the UK and Irish markets". "I am delighted Paul has accepted his appointment as Vice President and I look forward to continuing our close working relationship," commented Mr Fagerhus. Mr. Hookham's career highlights include heading the Software Process Improvement initiatives at Lloyds Bank, and implementing strategic online delivery systems throughout Bank of America's world-wide network. Before joining Q-Labs as Deputy Vice President in July 2000, Mr Hookham worked as a freelance Project Management Consultant. His assignments included coaching and mentoring project managers in local Governments, in addition to implementing project management processes. Q-Labs provides solutions for managing risks in software engineering to major software intensive corporations. The company was founded in 1989, and today, has over 180 employees in Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Norway, Germany, France and the U.S. www.q-labs.com For further information, please contact: Geir Fagerhus, President and CEO, Q-Labs, phone Sweden + 46 706 800 500 Paul Hookham, Vice President, Q-Labs Services, phone UK +44 1444 460063 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/12/12/20001212BIT00260/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/12/12/20001212BIT00260/bit0002.pdf