Nice Systems today announced the appointment of David Kostman, a Board member, as Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Ron Gutler.
Mr. Gutler, who has been a board member since 2001, and Chairman since 2002, has stepped down to take on other interests.
"After 12 years at NICE and ending another successful year, I felt it was the right time to step down and pursue other interests. I am very proud of what NICE has achieved during my tenure as Chairman: the significant growth in revenue and profitability, its domain expertise and market leadership. I am confident that the Company has built itself a solid foundation on which it will continue to prosper for many years and wish David and the company great success in the future," said Ron Gutler.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ron for his contribution to the growth and success of NICE during the past 12 years. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve NICE as its new Chairman and help drive the Company's continued success," said David Kostman, Chairman of the Board of NICE Systems.
Mr. Kostman has a long and diversified experience as an investment banker, corporate executive and entrepreneur: Mr. Kostman has served on the board of NICE Systems from 2001 to mid-2007 and from mid-2008 to date. Mr. Kostman was an investment banker at Lehman Brothers from 1994 to 2000 and from 2006 to March 2008, most recently as Managing Director, head of the Global Internet Group, focusing on the technology, internet and media sectors. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Kostman was the Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Executive Officer of Delta Galil USA, a multi hundred million dollar division of publicly traded Delta Galil Industries, a global private label apparel provider. Between 2000 and 2002, Mr. Kostman was the Chief Operating Officer and President of the International Division of Verticalnet, a NASDAQ listed, business-to-business Internet company. Since 2007, Mr. Kostman is the co-founder and Chairman of two companies, Nanoosh, an organic fast casual restaurant chain, and Leisure Class, a company focused on tourist services.
Mr. Kostman served on the board of directors of Retalix LTD until its recent sale to NCR. He also served on the board of several privately owned technology, Internet and apparel companies. Mr. Kostman holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from Tel Aviv University and a Master's degree in Business Administration from INSEAD.