Confirmed! Sisso never left..............
Press Release Source: Wi-LAN Inc.
Wi-LAN Announces Executive Appointment: Dr. Sayed-Amr El-Hamamsy Accepts Senior VP Role
Thursday March 3, 8:31 pm ET
CALGARY, CANADA--(CCNMatthews - March 3, 2005) - Wi-LAN Inc. (TSX:WIN - News), a global provider of market-leading broadband wireless communications products and technologies and charter member of the WiMAX Forum(1), today announced that Dr. Sayed-Amr (Sisso) El-Hamamsy, has been appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate, Wi-LAN Inc. Dr. El-Hamamsy, former President and CEO of Wi-LAN, will be active in educating Wi-LAN's current and potential customers, investors and other external stakeholders with regard to Wi-LAN, its products, markets and technologies.
"I continue to be a true believer in Wi-LAN and I think I can contribute significant value in this new role," said Dr. El-Hamamsy. "Over the past four years I have gained a significant knowledge base regarding all aspects of Wi-LAN's customers and competitive position in the broadband wireless market, and have played a role in the transformation of this market as it nears adoption of WiMAX-standard equipment. I also have a deep understanding of the Company's products and core technologies and the applications that they serve."
"We are very pleased to be able to retain Sisso's knowledge and expertise in the Company," said Bill Dunbar, President and CEO of Wi-LAN. "He has always been a significant asset in forming and maintaining key external relationships, and I look forward to his continuing support in this role."
Dr. El-Hamamsy was President and CEO of Wi-LAN from December 2003 to February 2005 and was elected to Wi-LAN's board of directors in March 2004. He has now resigned his position as a Director of the Company. Prior to December 2003 he was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Before January 2003 he was Chief Operating Officer of Wi-LAN and before joining Wi-LAN in January 2001 he held several senior management positions at General Electric Company. Dr. El-Hamamsy holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from California Institute of Technology.
About Wi-LAN Inc.
Wi-LAN is a global provider of broadband wireless communications products and technologies, offering businesses, including telecom service providers, and government enterprises effective, economic and secure wireless high-speed communications solutions. Wi-LAN specializes in high-speed Internet access, data network extension, wireless Voice-over-IP, and wireless data and telephony backhaul, utilizing its high quality products and industry-leading technologies. Wi-LAN's broadband wireless solutions feature an all-inclusive 2-year parts and labor warranty and are supported by 24/7 customer service.
Wi-LAN believes its portfolio of patents, including its core W-OFDM patents and 17 patents and patent applications acquired from Ensemble Communications in May 2004, are necessary for the implementation of devices using the IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN Standard (1) and the ETSI BRAN HiperMAN(1) standard (the WiMAX Forum(1) standards). As well, Wi-LAN's W-OFDM patents are believed to be required for the implementation of devices using the IEEE standards 802.11a and 802.11g (the 2nd generation Wi-Fi Alliance(1) standards), and the ETSI BRAN HiperLAN/2(1) standard. Wi-LAN licenses its patented technology and has executed non-exclusive W-OFDM license agreements with semiconductor and broadband wireless equipment companies.
Wi-LAN is the chair company of the OFDM Forum and a charter member of the WiMAX Forum (www.wimaxforum.org). Wi-LAN's common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WIN." Detailed information on Wi-LAN can be found at www.wi-lan.com.