infoGROUP announces succession plan for Chairman of the Board of Directors

INFOGROUP, the US-based data business today announced that the Board of Directors has a succession plan following a turbulent year.

The business, whose premium local search content is used in Bing, Microsoft Corp.'s new decision engine, says Roger Siboni became chairman at Friday's board meeting. Siboni spent most of his career at accounting firm KPMG, but also led software company Epiphany as CEO from 1998 to 2003 and as chairman from 2003 to 2005.

Siboni takes over from Bernard Reznicek who has led the company during a turbulent year. Reznicek will stay on the board. Mr. Reznicek led the charge to diversify the Board with new, independent directors. In addition, he was a member of the Board’s Special Litigation Committee (SLC), which oversaw the extensive independent review stemming from the shareholder litigation, which was successfully resolved in 2008.

Reznicek became chairman last summer after founder Vin Gupta was forced out of his executive position as part of a settlement with regulators and investors. Gupta remains on the board because he owns nearly 40 per cent of its stock, but he was accused of misusing millions of company funds.

“We are so appreciative for the leadership and professionalism Bernie has provided to this organisation over the years,” said Bill L. Fairfield, infoGROUP’s Chief Executive Officer. “The amount of time, effort, and dedication he has given infoGROUP has gone way beyond the requirements of a Board member.” Fairfield added, “Because of Bernie’s leadership and tireless hours he has put into this job, infoGROUP is now on a course to be known as a Company that is regarded as highly ethical and progressive in the industry.”

Fairfield concluded by stating, “We are fortunate to have an individual of Roger’s caliber that can take the great work that Bernie has done and move us into the next phase of our Company’s successful future.”

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