Nigel Clifford, new CEO at Micro Focus

UK: Micro Focus, a provider of enterprise application modernisation, testing and management solutions, announces the appointment of Nigel Clifford as Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 1 May 2010.

Nigel Clifford will bring to Micro Focus nearly thirty years of leadership experience at international technology companies. Prior to its acquisition by Nokia in December 2008, Clifford was Chief Executive Office of Symbian Limited, the UK based software development and licensing company. He led Nokia's successful integration of Symbian and then became Senior Vice President Strategy, Technology & Architecture, Devices at Nokia. In Clifford's three years at Symbian the company trebled revenues and became the international leader in advanced mobile operating systems. In addition, Clifford has held leadership roles at Cable & Wireless, Tertio Telecoms Ltd and BT plc, as shared in a press note.

Nigel Clifford is currently a non executive director of Anite plc. There is no other information required to be disclosed under paragraph 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules. Kevin Loosemore, Chairman of Micro Focus, commented: "Nigel has extensive leadership experience having been a chief executive of various companies for more than 14 years, nine of which have been in the software industry. Following an extensive search, characterised by high quality candidates, I am delighted to welcome Nigel to Micro Focus. Nigel's experience of large scale and complex environments mean he is ideally qualified to lead the Company through its next phase of development and growth. Nigel is a valuable addition to the Board and I look forward to working with him to further strengthen Micro Focus' operational execution; to address the considerable market opportunity available to the company; and to continue to deliver compelling financial returns."