D
R A F Tv3.0
For
More Information:
Kathryn
O’Connor
Gregory
FCA Communications
610-642-8253
ext. 120
Kathryn@GregoryFCA.com
For
Immediate Release
a21
Appoints John Z. Ferguson Chief Executive Officer
Former
Getty Images executive brings extensive industry knowledge and experience to
lead company’s aggressive growth plan
JACKSONVILLE,
Fla. - October 10, 2006 - a21,
Inc.
("a21") (OTCBB: ATWO), a leading online digital content marketplace, today
announced that John Z. Ferguson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer
and
joins the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Ferguson, who previously held senior
management positions at leading, international image provider Getty Images,
will
lead the company’s aggressive growth strategy and advance the Company’s
worldwide digital media platform.
At
Getty
Images, Ferguson most recently served as Senior Vice President, Sales -
Americas, an executive committee position reporting directly to the Chief
Executive Officer. As a senior executive with responsibility for sales, regional
marketing, and acquisition integration, Ferguson helped lead Getty’s revenue
growth to more than $700 million. During his tenure with Getty, Ferguson also
held a key leadership role driving substantial sales growth for Art.com, Getty’s
online art delivery subsidiary.
In
conjunction with this appointment, Philip N. Garfinkle, who has been serving
as
interim President and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Executive
Chairman of a21 by its Board of Directors. Among his many accomplishments in
the
digital imaging industry, Garfinkle introduced online photo processing to the
consumer with PictureVision, Inc., a company he founded and built for several
years before selling it to Kodak. Albert H. Pleus, former Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, will serve as an Executive Advisor to the Company in addition
to remaining a Company director.
“John
brings a winning combination of industry knowledge, leadership skills, and
a
successful track record perfectly suited to lead a21’s growth strategy,”
commented Garfinkle. “We are fortunate to have attracted an accomplished
executive with a broad range of skills and extensive knowledge of both our
digital imaging and art delivery businesses. And, with his high energy level
and
intense focus, John is the ideal leader to enhance our existing operations,
as
well as quickly identify new growth opportunities to drive a21 to the next
level.”
As
Chief
Executive Officer, Ferguson will set a21’s immediate strategy and direction,
establish corporate goals and objectives, and organize the Company to
successfully execute its plan. Garfinkle will assist Ferguson during his
transition but ultimately focus on the long-term strategic vision of the
Company, including acquisitions.
In
addition to his extensive experience in the digital imaging and art delivery
industries, Ferguson, 40, has also held senior sales and managerial positions
at
a number of highly regarded international technology and marketing-driven
organizations, including Broderbund Software, Inc., Quaker Oats Company, and
Coca-Cola USA. Ferguson earned an MBA from the Kellstadt Graduate School of
Business at DePaul University, and is also a graduate of Michigan State
University.
“Phil
and
John are both proven leaders who have the demonstrated ability to take a company
like a21 through our next phase of growth,” stated Albert H. Pleus, “I am
confident they will create significant value for our clients and our
shareholders, by efficiently and effectively leveraging our foundation,
resources, and considerable talent.”
The
Company has also announced that shareholders have elected five directors, three
of whom are independent, at its most recent annual meeting. In addition to
Garfinkle and Pleus, the following were also elected to the Board as independent
directors:
A.D.
“Bud” Albers, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of MusicNet,
Inc.
Laura
B.
Sachar, Founder and Co-Chairman of StarVest Partners, L.P., a New York-based
venture capital firm and, along with Morgan Stanley, a lead investor in a21’s
most recent $15.5 million private placement.
C.
Donald
Wiggins, President of Business Valuations, Inc., a firm specializing in business
valuations, and Heritage Capital Group, a firm specializing in mergers and
acquisitions of middle market companies.
“We
are
extremely pleased with our shareholders’ broad support for the slate of elected
directors,” says Garfinkle. “This is a strong board with the drive, experience
and skill to provide valuable counsel and direction to our executive management
team, as well as the independence needed to be effective fiduciaries for the
Company’s shareholders.”
About
a21:
a21
(www.a21group.com)
is a
leading online digital content marketplace for the professional creative
community. Through SuperStock (www.superstock.com;
www.superstock.co.uk;
and
www.purestockx.com),
and
ArtSelect (www.artselect.com),
a21
delivers high quality images, art framing, and exceptional customer service.
a21
and its companies, with offices in Florida, Iowa, New York City, and London,
provide a valuable and viable choice to photographers, artists, photography
agencies and other customers in the stock image, art and wall decor
industries.
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The
statements contained in this press release contain certain forward-looking
statements, including statements regarding a21, Inc.'s expectations, intentions,
strategies, and beliefs regarding the future. All statements contained herein
are based upon information available to a21, Inc.'s management as of the date
hereof and actual results may vary based upon future events, both within and
without the control of a21, Inc.'s management.