Svein Ove Strømmen
Bergen, Norway, September 23, 2010, Vizrt Ltd. (Oslo Main List: VIZ)
It is with great sadness that Vizrt announces that Svein Ove Strømmen, Chairman of the Board of Directors, died on September 23. The company extends its deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Svein Ove Strømmen joined the Board of Directors when Vizrt acquired Peak Broadcast Systems in July 2000. Following this Strømmen was Chairman of the Audit Committee until August 2004 when he was elected Chairman of the Board, a role he fulfilled with great dedication.
"Today we lost Vizrt's best supporter, and those of us who knew him also mourn the loss of our good friend. He was, together with Bjarne Berg, one of the main architects who built Vizrt into the company it is today. To him, being Vizrt's chairman of the board was much more than just a formal job and duty. Right up until the last day, Svein Ove genuinely believed Vizrt to be something very special that he was proud to have played a part in building. The combination of his business skills, understanding of our industry and his determination to build Vizrt into a global player are values that we will all miss greatly. Svein Ove was our biggest supporter during the challenging times when the foundation of today's company was built, but always left the management of the company and the credit for success to others when things were going exceptionally well, which they often were under his guidance. We can only hope that he knew how grateful we all were to him. Our thoughts are now with Svein Ove's wife, Ingelin and his family", stated Martin Burkhalter, Chief Executive Officer of Vizrt.
John Ranelagh, Vice Chairman of the Board now assumes responsibility as acting Chairman. He said, "Svein Ove was forceful, kind and clear-minded with a deep commitment to the company. Together with Bjarne Berg and the team, he built Vizrt, piloting it to the success it enjoys today, a testament to his devotion. His courage was remarkable, demonstrated in the way he faced his last illness, during which he remained our active Chairman until the end. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife and family."
Investors and media contacts:
CEO
+41 (79) 795 24 48
mbu@vizrt.com
Ofra Brown
CFO
+47 5351 8040
ofra@vizrt.com
SCHWARZ Financial Communication
Frank Schwarz
+49 611 1745 398 11
schwarz@schwarzfinancial.com