New role sets strategic direction for product development
CALGARY, Alberta --- February 13, 2007--- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the appointment of Rob Abbott to the newly created position of director, product management. He is now responsible for setting the strategic direction for SMART’s world-leading products and solutions for interactive classrooms and meeting rooms.
Abbott has been with SMART for seven years, working primarily in product management where he led many of the company’s hardware and software initiatives. He then advanced to product line manager and most recently to group manager. Abbott has demonstrated strong leadership during the launch of several significant products, including the SMART Board™ 600 series interactive whiteboard and SMART Board software 9.5. In his new role, Abbott will lead the development of a model for new product execution and accelerated adoption of collaborative technology.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to create technology solutions that are not only relevant but transform the way people learn, teach and share information,” says Abbott. “In the last few years, the company and its customer base have grown considerably, technology has evolved and the competitive landscape has changed, but in the end it’s the strength of our people, our customer focus and our ability to challenge technological boundaries that matters.”
“Rob has a very clear understanding of collaboration technology and its application within a variety of customer environments,” says Tom Hodson, SMART’s president. “Rob’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best in education solutions and collaborative technology to our valued customers around the world.”