Tony Bates, former Executive Vice President of Microsoft, has jumped ship to GoPro where he will serve as President for the company. Mr Bates has also been appointed to the Board of Directors where he will report directly to CEO, Nicholas Woodman. With more than 25 years of communications and technology under his belt, his input into the GoPro team could prove to be priceless.
Bates has expressed his delight at the new challenge and looks forward to working at the company. Alongside himself, Peter Gotcher (Chairman of Dolby Labotories) has also been recruited. Both individuals are thoroughly experienced, with Woodman stating "Their vision will help us realize our vision for enabling people to self capture engaging content".
The article quotes Tony Bates, saying:
It"s an honor to join the team. GoPro represents everything that excites me in a company. Incredible products, compelling content, a world-renowned brand and above all, amazing people who make it happen. Working for a technology company that creates products that people love and that capture life"s magical moments is a dream come true.
Previously working at Skype, Mr Bates pushed the online communication service through the introduction of paid services, such as premium phone calling and group video sessions. Tony Bates has also been a part of the directing boards for YouTube and LoveFilm in the past.
GoPro is renowned for providing mobile cameras that have the ability to capture all kinds of extreme activities. The devices are used all over the globe for professional and amateur purposes, and are hugely popular within the industry. As to what the future holds for the company in the wake of these recent acquisitions, only time will tell.
Source: MarketWatch | Image via SB Nation