HumanWare Appoints Dr Richard Mander New CEO

HumanWare, the provider of information access products for blind, visually impaired and learning disabled customers, announced the official appointment of Dr Richard Mander as its new CEO following the death of Dr Russell Smith and his wife Marian in a plane crash in August last year.

Dr Mander has a strong background in technology, research and product development. He has a particular interest in the human interface with technology. Dr Mander worked for 14 years in the United States, including seven years at Apple Computer. After leaving Apple, he spent seven years as a consultant advising technology companies on customer-centered product design and methods for improving product development.  He has advised international companies on these matters and in 2004 received the World Class New Zealander Award from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. This is an annual award for New Zealanders working oversees who make an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s economic development.

Dr Mander was appointed as Chief Technology Officer at Navman in New Zealand in 2004 and has a PhD in educational psychology from Stanford University in the United States. He is married with four children and lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“We are very pleased to be able to appoint a person of the caliber of Dr Mander”, said Tim Robinson, Chairman of the board of HumanWare. “His experience in research and development and understanding of how products can be better designed to meet customers’ needs will be invaluable for HumanWare.”

Dr Mander said, “I am very excited about this opportunity and the challenges that lie ahead. HumanWare has some clever technology and great products. I am looking forward to working with the team there to take the company to the next stage of its development.”

Gilles Pepin has been Acting CEO of the group since the death of Dr Smith. Mr Robinson said that HumanWare has a significant presence in Canada and Mr Pepin will return to his CEO role of HumanWare Canada. “Gilles has done an outstanding job as Acting CEO over the last six months,” said Mr Robinson. “He has successfully led the company through a difficult period following Russell’s death. We are indebted to Gilles and on behalf of the board; I express our thanks to him. Gilles will continue to play a major part in the further development and growth of HumanWare through his role in Canada and as a director of the company.”

Source: Humanware