Rob Katz has joined JSE-listed software developer Ixchange where, as International Director, he will head up Ixchange`s aggressive international drive. Katz was executive director of USKO Software and Services division (which includes the USKO-Old Mutual joint venture USKOTEC, USKO Software, Computer Management and Spearhead) and Microsoft South Africa.
Ixchange aims to earn 80% of its revenues offshore by June 2000. As such, says Ixchange chairman Dana Buys, it sought a leading executive with multinational experience to manage these operations, as well as drive expansion into new territories.
"Rob has a great deal of experience in the software business and specifically a knowledge base built up as the first MD of Microsoft SA. Microsoft is the most successful of all software companies and we can learn much from the way it manages its international business and expansion," says Buys.
Ixchange focuses on Microsoft platforms, and a key component of its growth will be the ability to develop partnerships with Microsoft Solution Providers worldwide. Katz`s understanding of both requirements will be key, says Buys. "Rob intimately understands the channel and the business relationships required to accelerate Ixchange`s international channel-building process."
Further, he says, Ixchange`s growth in the last 12 months has driven a need to expand executive management. "Rob brings maturity and management experience in the software industry to the Ixchange executive team. He also has a proven track record in proactively managing change and growth and was instrumental in growing both Microsoft SA and USKO`s Software and Services division. Rob and I have worked closely for many years and the existing level of mutual trust and respect will ensure rapid integration and higher productivity."
"I am delighted to be joining a company of the stature of Ixchange," says Katz. "South Africa has a growing number of dynamic and capable IT companies, such as Ixchange, which deserve to be exposed to a broader market. I am looking forward to further leveraging Ixchange`s existing international investments as well as opening up new opportunities."
Katz adds that Ixchange`s offshore drive will help foster international trade with markets, ultimately benefiting the South African economy.
Katz has a long record in the IT industry, including successful tenure at KPMG, Adcock Ingram, and ISG companies Infomet Polygon and TS Software, before Microsoft and USKO. While at USKO he contributed towards several of Usko`s acquisitions and helped boost USKO`s market value. Prior to USKO he had been MD of Microsoft SA from 1992 to early 1998.
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