TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Redline Communications Group Inc. (TSX: RDL) ("Redline" or the
"Company"), a leading provider of specialized broadband wireless
solutions, today announced that Eric Melka, its chief executive officer
currently on medical leave, has advised of his plan to leave the
Company by February 2014. Mr. Melka will remain an active member of
Redline's board of directors.
In November 2009, Mr. Melka was appointed to execute a turnaround of
Redline Communications which was struggling with outdated technology,
decreasing sales and mounting losses. Since that time, Redline
successfully revitalized its product line, sales organization and
customer base, reversing a ten-year trend of significant losses. Today,
Redline is a recognized brand in several key markets, including energy
where the Company's sales have grown the most.
"Eric Melka was the driver behind the Redline turnaround and his
leadership during these times was both critical to the company's
success and truly appreciated by the board of directors and
shareholders," said Philippe de Gaspé Beaubien, Redline's board
chairman. "We engaged Eric at a crucial point in the Redline's history,
and he rose to the challenge, doing more than anyone could have
anticipated. While we are saddened to see him go, we are pleased that
he will continue with Redline as an active member of its board of
directors."
Robert Williams, who has been leading Redline as interim CEO since
August 8, 2013, will continue in the role during Mr. Melka's absence.
"We sincerely thank Eric for his work during the past four years. With
Eric's departure, the board will undertake a formal search for a CEO
candidate who will continue to strategically grow the company," added
Mr. de Gaspé Beaubien.
"I am extremely proud of the results and changes that we made during my
time at Redline, and I feel that with the momentum, resources and
technology the company has now, it is in a great position to grow,"
said Mr. Melka. "I maintain my confidence in Redline's success. I truly
appreciate the incredible support from our staff, our shareholders and
customers."
Redline is also very pleased to announce the appointment of John Wilson
to its board of directors.
Mr. Wilson is president and chief executive officer of Quantapoint Inc,
a technology-driven solutions provider to the oil and gas industry. He
has spent the past 32 years working at the intersection of technology
and the oil and gas industry, having held executive positions in the
oilfield service sector, including with companies such as Stratos
Global Corporation, where he was senior vice president and general
manager of broadband services; Trade Ranger Inc. as its CEO; Vertias
DGC as president of the exploration services division; and Haliburton
Company as executive vice president. Mr. Wilson was born in the United
Kingdom and holds a Bachelor degree in Electronic Engineering and
Physics from Loughborough University of Technology, and a Master of
Business Administration from the Polytechnic of Central London.
"We welcome John to the Redline Board of Directors. His appointment
follows an extensive search and we are pleased to be able to have the
benefit of someone with his expertise, particularly in Redline's key
vertical, the oil and gas industry," said Mr. de Gaspé Beaubien.
With the appointment of Mr. Wilson, Redline's board now has 6 directors,
5 of whom are independent.
The Company also announced that Mr. Mario Bélanger, Redline's chief
operating officer, has left Redline to pursue other opportunities. The
Company has no current plans to replace him.
About Redline Communications
Redline Communications is the innovator of Virtual Fiber™, a specialized
wireless broadband system used by governments, the military, oil and
gas, and the telecom industry worldwide to cost-effectively deploy
distributed services and applications. Redline Virtual Fiber solutions
are used to facilitate and enhance public safety networks, deploy and
extend secure networks, connect digital oil fields and smart grids, and
bring dedicated Internet access wherever and whenever it's needed.
Redline has been delivering powerful, versatile and reliable wireless
systems for over a decade through its global network of certified
partners. For more information visit www.rdlcom.com.
SOURCE Redline Communications Group Inc.