REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OPWV), the leading provider of independent software products and services for the communications industry, today announced the appointment of Robert Vrij, former president and CEO of Lucent's Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) operation, as senior vice president of worldwide field operations, effective today. In his former capacity at Lucent, Vrij managed approximately $2B in revenue and oversaw an organization of 1,000 employees.

"Openwave is honored to have a world class executive of Robert Vrij's caliber join our executive team as it reinforces the strength of our strategic position in the marketplace and the opportunities that lie ahead for the company," said David Peterschmidt, president and chief executive officer of Openwave. "Improving sales productivity is a critical element in Openwave's previously articulated corporate strategy. Robert, with his depth of experience serving customers in the telecommunications industry, will oversee three of the most critical, customer facing areas of our business -- worldwide sales, professional services and global support -- and represents a significant step in positioning the Company to achieve its goals for FY 07 and beyond."

Openwave also announced it is strengthening its regional sales operations, with the recent appointments of Kaz Ishii as general manager for Japan and Ray Coyte as general manager for EMEA. All regional general managers will report directly to Vrij and together, they will be focused on working with the regional sales and services teams to improve sales and services execution and further strengthen relationships with key Openwave customers. Dave Whalen, former global sales lead, has resigned from the company. Vrij will assume Whalen's direct reports.

Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OPWV)