ATLANTA, Aug. 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) announced today the appointment of Dr. Neil Mackay as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for EMS Technologies, Inc., reporting to EMS President and CEO, Paul Domorski.
In this new position, Mackay will oversee the day-to-day operations of all EMS business units, encouraging growth while focusing on operational efficiencies. The general managers from each business will report directly to Mackay.
With a corporate business career spanning almost 30 years, more than 15 years with EMS, Mackay has extensive experience as a senior executive in the fields of aviation and most aspects of communications. Most recently, Mackay served as EVP of Strategy, focusing on Mergers and Acquisitions. Over the past year, he played a pivotal role in EMS's acquisitions of Australia-based DSpace, a pioneer in developing Inmarsat's BGAN satellite radio protocols, Akerstroms Trux, Northern Europe's leading supplier of vehicle mount computing solutions for warehousing and distribution applications, and Sky Connect, an important provider of Iridium aeronautical products and services.
"Neil brings a wealth of experience to the COO role. He offers invaluable expertise in both domestic and international operations, along with a proven track record for developing and executing growth initiatives," Domorski said. "Neil is the right manager for EMS's operations as we navigate through the current economic challenges and prepare ourselves for the enormous opportunities ahead," he added.
Mackay joined EMS in 1993 following its acquisition of Ottawa-based CAL Corp., where he was president and CEO. EMS SATCOM was created from CAL. Under Mackay's leadership, EMS SATCOM enhanced its leadership position in both the aeronautical and emergency management markets, and launched a promising entry into the land mobile market.
"I look forward to working closely with our EMS business units in my new role," said Mackay. "It's an exciting time to be at EMS as the Company continues to build on its technical capabilities and market presence in key areas of satellite communications, military comms-on-the-move and the wireless mobile logistics market."
Mackay has held the position of CEO of a number of telecommunications and aviation companies, including GEAC Computers in Toronto, Innotech Aviation Ltd. in Montreal and the Trinidad and Tobago Telephone Company. He is a recipient of the Canadian Business Aviation Association's lifetime achievement award for service to the aviation industry.
Before entering corporate management in 1979, Mackay was an associate professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, teaching electronics, communications and signal processing. A holder of major research grants and contracts, Mackay led a team of researchers in the fields of guided radar, optical processing and communications systems. He is the author of some 40 publications.
Mackay obtained his B.Eng with distinction from McGill University in Montreal. He holds a Ph.D. in electronics and communications engineering from Sydney University, Australia.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a wireless and satellite communication solutions leader, serving aeronautical, defense, maritime, commercial space and supply chain markets. Through its LXE, EMS SATCOM, and Defense & Space Systems divisions, EMS keeps people, systems and data connected, wherever they are -- on the ground, in the warehouse, in the air, or in space. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,000 people worldwide and operates major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta and Ottawa, Canada.
For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.