News

Degasoft opens first U.S. office

March 21, 2002

ATLANTA - London-based Degasoft Ltd., maker of Kudos design and remote management applications for interactive terminals and kiosks, is invading North America.

The company has hired David Reap as its regional vice president of U.S. operations. Reap, who will be based in Atlanta, will concentrate on sales, channel development, operations, and marketing efforts throughout North America, according to a company news release.

Reap was director of North American customer operations at XcelleNet, a remote systems management company. He received the company's Chairman's Club Award in 2000 for outstanding sales management performance, the release stated.

Rapid expansion

As recent KIOSKmarketplace news shows, Degasoft's operations are accelerating as the software maker works to increase its share in the kiosk development and remote management markets.

Thor Ibsen, Degasoft chief executive officer, formerly of the Ford Motor Company, joined the company in April. In May he guided the company's move from its original location in Iceland to new headquarters in London.

Three million in new financing from The Venturos Group is propelling Degasoft's growth. Ibsen had said that Degasoft would use the funds to increase its sales and marketing presence in Europe, expand its new London headquarters, and further develop Kudos. He expects to clinch another $5 million in a second round of funding

This month, Degasoft hired three other top staffers. Like Reap, all three are from well-known software companies. New finance director Peter Stawowski moved to the company from Sapiens. Stawowski will assist with Degasoft's growth and drive for future funding. Kevin Fazendeiro, new business director, was Trilogy's software account director. Fazendeiro will direct Degasoft's business opportunities in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Kevin Johnson, also from Trilogy, was hired as the vice president of business development for Degasoft UK Ltd. Johnson was Trilogy's director of European operations, automotive.

Degasoft Ltd. was founded in 1989. Since 1997, the company has concentrated solely on developing Kudos. Kudos 6.0, was released in June. Kudos software is used by Ford Motor Company, Ford Credit, Jiffy Lube, Hitachi, and Virgin Entertainment Group, as well as other companies. Kudos is the software behind the Virgin V.Shop kiosk, a winner in the 2001 European Retail Solutions Awards.