July 20, 2004
BROOKINGS, S. D. and CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The ATM Industry Association has announced that Mike Lee, its current international director, has been promoted to chief executive officer effective immediately. Additionally, Lee has joined the executive board, filling the only remaining seat.
"Mike has proved over and over that he is more than capable of running all aspects of ATMIA," said Tom Harper, the association's president and founding director. "In fact, he's been the de facto CEO for a while. This is a formal recognition of his responsibilities and reflects the respect all of us in the industry have for him."
Lee's accomplishments as the international director for the past four years include launching and establishing ATMIA Europe, ATMIA Australasia and Africa, and founding the Global ATM Security Alliance (www.globalasa.com). He also led the expansion of ATMIA's conference division beyond North America to cover Europe, Africa and Australasia, while steering the organization to healthy levels of profitability. Last year he received an award for "Best Contribution Promoting the Interests and Growth of the ATM Industry."
"Since he joined us membership has reached more than 500 spread over six chapters in 20 countries," said Harper. "Financially, ATMIA is doing extremely well, with profitable conferences in just about every region, and nine major sponsors."
Other important contributions under Lee's leadership include establishing the Industry Mutual Defense Fund and the Industry Research Fund. He is a regular speaker and chairman of ATMIA conferences around the world.
"What impresses me most about Mike Lee is his character," said Harper. "He exemplifies a standard of ethics and integrity we should all strive to achieve."
"Joining the Executive Board is a high honor for me," Lee commented. "Serving on the board will intensify my commitment to a wonderful staff, membership body and industry."
Lee's long-range goals include doubling the membership to 1,000 by 2008 and launching chapters in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.