The board of directors of Agfa-Gevaert has appointed Jo Cornu as CEO of Agfa-Gevaert NV, effective immediately.
Cornu succeeds Ludo Verhoeven, who - as executive chairman - had temporarily assumed the CEO position at the request of the board.
With his extensive international experience and know-how in the area of informatics, Jo Cornu will play a crucial role in the continued transition from analog to digital and IT.
Cornu became a member of the board of directors of Agfa-Gevaert in 2002. Dr. Ir. Cornu (1944) studied at the universities of Louvain (Belgium) and Ottowa (Canada) and held several managerial positions at Mietec, Bell and Alcatel, in several countries.
He has been chairman of the ISTAG Group (Information Society Technologies Advisory Group) of the European Commission from 2005 until 2007.
With the CEO position being filled and the first measures for operational improvement being implemented, Ludo Verhoeven now also announces that he will not be up for re-election as chairman at the next General Meeting in April 2008.
"I know the strengths and challenges of Agfa," says Cornu.
"I therefore believe very strongly in the value of the company for the shareholders, the employees as well as the customers.
"I also want to thank Ludo Verhoeven for his valuable contribution made during this temporary assignment as executive chairman."
Says Ludo Verhoeven, chairman of the board, "The appointment of Jo Cornu puts a man in control of Agfa with an extensive international experience and know-how in the area of informatics and transition management.
"He has a very strong reputation in all these fields. His knowledge and experience will benefit Agfa-Gevaert in the final transition that the company is currently going through."
