iRobot Appoints Former BAE Systems Vice President, Frank Wilson to Lead Defense & Security Business Unit
Wilson will focus on strategic business development and product development to ensure iRobot is meeting today's military, civil defense and security needs.
Booth #2643
BEDFORD, Mass.--iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in delivering robotic technology-based solutions, today announced that Frank Wilson has joined the company as senior vice president and general manager of its Defense & Security business unit. Wilson will focus on strategic business development and product development to ensure iRobot is meeting today's military, civil defense and security needs. Tim Trainer, the previous acting interim general manager, will continue on as vice president of programs.
With 25 years experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry, Frank Wilson most recently served as sector vice president of business development and mission applications for Electronic Systems at BAE Systems where he directly contributed to new business growth valued at over $10 billion. With revenues of $4.2 billion in 2011, BAE Electronic Systems consists of six business units and is the world leader in electronic warfare, identification friend or foe (IFF) products and wide area surveillance solutions. He previously held positions in engineering and product development, providing him with a strong knowledge base relating to the electrical and mechanical subsystems found in iRobot's life-saving robotic technologies.
"As was said on the second-quarter earnings call, U.S. government funding and program delays continue to negatively impact our expectations for the Defense & Security business unit," said Jeff Beck, chief operating officer of iRobot. "Frank has a wealth of experience leading a business, driving business development and transforming organizations in both favorable and declining defense budget environments. We look forward to his contributions and leadership as iRobot develops new technologies to address the growing role robots have in special operations and infantry missions."
"It is an honor to join iRobot and contribute to the continued success and growth of the Defense & Security business unit," said Wilson. "I look forward to leveraging my experience and contacts to help iRobot further its strategy of meeting the ever-changing needs of today's warfighter and providing unmanned systems that are an integral part of the military's future."
In the second quarter, iRobot announced approximately $27 million in new Defense & Security contracts for SUGV and PackBot robots, spares and software upgrades that will be delivered over the remainder of 2012. To date, iRobot has delivered more than 4,500 robots to military and civil defense forces worldwide. These rugged robots are used to perform search, reconnaissance, bomb disposal and other dangerous missions.
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (AUVSI), Booth # 2643
The iRobot Defense & Security business unit will be exhibiting at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, to be held August 6 - 9. iRobot will be demonstrating the latest advances in unmanned ground vehicles, including the 110 FirstLook, SUGV and 510 PackBot. Media attending the show should contact Charlie Vaida of iRobot (cvaida@irobot.com / 617.947.9217) for a demonstration and discussion with company spokespeople.
About iRobot Corp.
iRobot designs and builds robots that make a difference. The company's home robots help people find smarter ways to clean, and its defense & security robots protect those in harm's way. iRobot's consumer and military robots feature iRobot Aware® robot intelligence systems, proprietary technology incorporating advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.
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