SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Minerva Networks, the leading provider of open-platform IP Television (IPTV) delivery solutions, today announced that Michael Hickerson has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales. Hickerson will head all sales and channel development initiatives. With over 20 years of executive sales experience in the video conferencing and telecommunications industry, Hickerson will play a key role in strengthening Minerva's leadership position in the IPTV marketplace.

"We are delighted to have Michael join our executive team," said Mauro Bonomi, CEO of Minerva Networks. "Michael brings to Minerva a unique combination of both video and telecommunication industry knowledge, sales management expertise, and an outstanding reputation with many of our existing and target customers."

Prior to joining Minerva, Hickerson was Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Customer Care at 2Wire, where he was instrumental in securing design wins at SBC, Verizon, BellSouth, British Telecom, Telmex, Singtel, Telefonica, Sasktel, and many others. Hickerson also served as General Manager and VP of Sales at PictureTel where he grew revenue from $20M to over $250M in less than four years.

"I enjoy bringing to market innovative solutions that help telecommunications companies gain unique competitive advantages. Minerva's technology is reshaping the way broadband operators worldwide deliver triple-play services. I am very excited to join the leader in this rapidly growing marketplace," continued Michael Hickerson, Minerva's new Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales.

Minerva Networks Inc.