Philippe will focus on optimising implementation processes, building new models for support and services post-production, and packaging service offerings to further reduce the total cost of ownership for Odyssey solutions.

Philippe Planchat is particularly well experienced in the management of mergers and large change programmes, and in setting-up strategies and organisations in the field of financial software intelligence.

During his professional career, he has participated in the setting-up of organisations and infrastructures for some of Europe and Asia's largest exchanges, wealth management banks, brokerage houses and commodity traders. He has also worked for several large industries, improving their information management processes and organisation.

"I am delighted to lead the Services and Support operation within Odyssey and help ensure that this dynamic team of experts in finance and technology continue to build new skills in line with the changing nature of our solutions. As we begin to implement our new component technology and manage deployment in relation to specific customer requirements, new optimised implementation and support processes can ensure our customers maximise the return on their investment in shorter time frames," comments Philippe. "Together with the Training Academy initiative to ensure the right level of knowledge through an accreditation programme for our customers, consultants and partners alike, Odyssey will be looking towards the future in building new application deployment management (ADM) service options, following input from our customers".

Antoine Duchateau, Odyssey Chairman and CEO, adds: "Philippe arrives at Odyssey with a wealth of experience in consultancy within the financial services area. He considerably strengthens Odyssey's top team as we continue to grow through the business relationship with our existing customers, both internationally and through the provision of new solutions."

Prior to joining Odyssey, Philippe Planchat founded Sherwood Alliance, a reputed consulting company active in the financial sector. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of Arthur D. Little, Switzerland, in charge of several practices in France and Switzerland. Before that, he was an Associate Partner with Andersen Consulting, in charge of French-speaking Switzerland and coordinator of different European projects. In 1991, he founded his first company, CSC (Compagnie de Service et de Conseil), which was integrated into the Arthur D. Little structure in 1997.

Philippe's lengthy experience and intimate knowledge of Odyssey's market are expected to rapidly produce long-term results in a challenging area.