Andy Ross is a very experienced Managing Director and IT Director with a track-record of delivering results in highly-visible roles across multiple sectors in the US, UK and Internationally. He has extensive banking and telecoms expertise including architecting the Royal Bank of Scotland's strategy for success online in a multi-channel environment and transforming a neglected telephone bank into a model for direct relationship banking. He is an experienced Board Member and Chairman of small technology related companies in both executive and non-executive roles.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to add someone of Andy's calibre to our executive team," says Jukka Riivari, CEO and President of Meridea. "Building on our success in both Asia and Europe we want to increase our retail banking focus to meet expanding customer demand. Andy is a proven business consultant who brings a wealth of experience in building innovative new businesses that deliver value from new technology into a bank's core franchise. His knowledge and business acumen will enable us to capitalize on the buying momentum across our key markets adding valuable industry-specific experience into our organisation."

Ross brings more than 20 years experience in the IT and Financial Services Industry having worked in a range of key roles for organisations such as Reuters, Credit Suisse First Boston, Cable & Wireless, Citibank and most recently the Royal Bank of Scotland, (RBS/NatWest) where he was Managing Director, Primeline, and Director of eCommerce & Internet, responsible for a portfolio of Banking and eCommerce businesses and the Group's Centre of Internet Expertise.

He says, "This is an exciting time to join Meridea, who are increasingly acknowledged as one of the most innovative mobile service software providers in the field. Financial institutions increasingly have to use a varied set of channels to deliver products and services to their customers, and Meridea has developed an extensive set of self-service products to meet these needs. This creates market differentiation for the banks and real competitive advantage by putting the bank's brand directly into their customer's pocket. The opportunities for growth are very strong. I am looking forward to helping Meridea build a strong global presence."