INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) announced today that the board of directors has appointed the Honorable Tom Ridge to serve as a Class III director. Mr. Ridge is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ridge Global, an international strategic consulting firm, headquartered in Washington, DC. Ridge was the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Ridge was one of the first Vietnam combat veterans elected to Congress, where he served from 1982 to 1994.
"Tom Ridge brings a significant amount of additional depth and experience to the Board and I am delighted that he is joining us," said Robert J. Laikin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "His expertise in risk management and global trade security are particularly valuable to Brightpoint and our vendors and customers."
"Secretary Ridge's experience as an innovative leader will serve Brightpoint well as it continues its growth in the dynamic wireless communications industry," stated Jerre L. Stead, Lead Independent Director.
"Brightpoint's cost-effective, inventive and customizable solutions have made it a go-to resource in today's hotly competitive wireless industry," said Secretary Ridge. "I look forward to working with Brightpoint as it continues to expand the possibilities of this vast and rapidly changing market."
About Tom Ridge
Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. During his tenure, Secretary Ridge worked with more than 180,000-plus employees from a combined 22 agencies to create an agency that facilitated the flow of people and goods, instituted layered security at air, land and seaports, developed a unified national response and recovery plan, protected critical infrastructure, integrated new technology and improved information sharing worldwide. Tom Ridge served as Secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005. Twice elected as Governor of Pennsylvania, Governor Ridge's aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment.
About Brightpoint, Inc.
Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) is a global leader in the distribution of wireless devices and in providing customized logistic services to the wireless industry. In 2008, Brightpoint handled approximately 84 million wireless devices globally. Brightpoint's innovative services include distribution, channel development, fulfillment, product customization, e-Business solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Brightpoint's effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from quickly deployed, flexible, and cost effective solutions. The company has approximately 2,700 employees in more than 25 countries. In 2008 Brightpoint generated revenue of $4.6 billion. Brightpoint provides distribution and customized services to more than 25,000 B2B customers worldwide. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).
Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint, including, but not limited to, statements regarding potential spending reductions resulting from the elimination and proposed elimination of positions and the streamlining of operations and its ability to achieve cost savings and debt reduction as part of its 2009 Spending and Debt Reduction Plan. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents Brightpoint files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Brightpoint's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and Exhibit 99.1, thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.