Socket Communications Strengthens Presence in Europe Middle East and Africa

Appointments Add Proven Leadership in Key European Regions

Socket Communications, Inc., an innovative provider of mobile productivity products, today announced the appointment of three new regional sales managers in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). The expanded team supports Socket Communications' rapidly growing global presence, enabling the company to continue building relationships with customers and partners and develop new opportunities.

Phillippe Vazquez, based in Paris, is responsible for Spain, Portugal, France and Belgium. Phillippe joins Socket Communications with over ten years of experience in management and sales. He has served as a marketing executive for Every Com and as a product manager for Noblet. Phillipe holds degrees in computer programming and communications management.

Holger Sponholz, based in Dortmund, is responsible for Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands. Holger comes to Socket Communications from Targus Deutschland GmbH, where he served as corporate director and had previously functioned as an area sales manager. Prior to that, Holger managed sales and marketing for both TDK Systems Europe Ltd., and eNC Systems NRW / PSB GmbH in Germany.

Gennaro Giachetta, based in Milan, is responsible for Italy, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, as well as the Arab Nations, Israel, Lebanon and Africa. Gennaro joins the Socket Communications team with over three decades of sales and managerial experience for a variety of technology and telecommunication firms. Most recently, Gennaro served as the EMEA regional vice president of USRobotics and 3COM and previously held executive positions at Servgate Technologies, Fiberlink Inc., Fujitsu Telecommunications and Stratus Computer.

The three regional managers join Anna Meens in rounding out the EMEA sales team:

Anna Meens, based in London, has been responsible for regional sales in the UK and Ireland for the past two years. Previous to this appointment, she held sales and product management positions at Portix Group Ltd.

"These appointments introduce seasoned and talented individuals to our management team," said Kevin Mills, President and CEO at Socket Communications. "As we continue to expand distribution and introduce even more exciting new products, their understanding of the marketing and technology behind Socket products will significantly strengthen our sales initiatives in these regions and will be instrumental in communicating the many benefits offered by Socket Communications to business professionals."

"Our commitment to EMEA and our confidence in the market opportunities that are present is underscored by these appointments," said Martin Croome, Vice President of Business Development. "With the new regional sales managers, we will be even better positioned to bring the benefits of data collection and mobile productivity products to customers in the region."