Plantronics EMEA Appoints New Managing Director
Swindon, UK. - London, UK–September 23, 2003 – Plantronics, the world leader in lightweight communications headsets, today announced that Philip Vanhoutte has been appointed the new Managing Director of Plantronics, EMEA.
Philip Vanhoutte, former Corporate Vice President of Marketing Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, will succeed Jean-Claude Malraison, after four successful years in the role. Plantronics is pleased that Jean-Claude will continue with the company assuming a reduced role at the end of September 2003 managing special projects for the EMEA business and giving him time to pursue personal interests.
Vanhoutte’s appointment comes at an important time for Plantronics who earlier this year introduced an award-winning suite of wireless products bringing enhanced freedom to office and mobile professionals worldwide. His main focus will be to further develop Plantronics’ presence in the EMEA markets and build upon the leading position Plantronics has established in the retail consumer markets under Jean-Claude Malraison.
Ken Kannappan, Plantronics global CEO, believes that Plantronics appointed an outstanding candidate for the Managing Director, EMEA role: “Philip brings vast expertise in business-to-business markets within telephony, computers and contact centre operations. His most recent experience at Sony Ericsson will be instrumental in assisting Plantronics to capitalise on the sector growth at a time when headsets are being increasingly adopted by the mass market.”
Reflecting on Jean-Claude, Kannappan added: “Jean-Claude did an outstanding job in improving the position of Plantronics EMEA in the time he was Managing Director. He assumes his new role with the Board’s, and employees’ deep appreciation for the high standards of excellence he set together with sound and successful management of the company.”
A graduate in Marketing, Philip Vanhoutte, 48, joins Plantronics with an excellent pedigree holding a number of senior marketing positions at global blue-chip IT companies such as Sony Ericsson, Dell and Fujitsu.
Whilst at Sony Ericsson, as Corporate Vice President, Marketing, Vanhoutte was a key member of the Executive team where he was responsible for driving the development of the brand and sales of mobile product ranges.
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About Plantronics
Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognised as the world leader in communications headsets. Already the number one supplier of communications headsets in the call centre market, Plantronics has expanded into the office, residential, mobile/cellular and computer audio market segments. The publicly held company (PLT: NYSE), headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 19 countries with more than 2,200 employees. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorised Plantronics partners, and are available nationwide through retail, consumer electronics, mobile and PCS stores. Products and information about the company can also be found at www.plantronics.co.uk or by calling 0800 410014.
© 2003 Plantronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Plantronics, the logo design, Plantronics and the logo design combined and Intellistand are registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. in the United States and in various countries. All other marks are the property of the respective companies.
