Sand 9 Appoints Ralph Pini to Board of Directors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sand 9, Inc., a MEMS technology company developing precision timing products for wireless applications, today announced the appointment of Paratek Microwave CEO and president, Ralph Pini, to their Board of Directors. Mr. Pini will help shape Sand 9’s long-term growth strategy.

“I look forward to serving on the Board of Directors, and helping to shape the long-term growth strategy for Sand 9.”

Ralph Pini has been chief executive officer and president of Paratek Microwave since June 2009. Prior to Paratek, Mr. Pini worked at Motorola for thirty years in various technical and managerial roles. His most recent position at Motorola was senior vice president and chief technology officer of the wireless personal communications sector. Mr. Pini was responsible for the R&D activities related to all wireless technologies and creating value for the company and growth through pioneering innovation, visible technology leadership, and intellectual property development. He was also a major contributor in the creation of many iconic wireless devices, such as the MicroTac, StarTac and Razr, to name a few. He received his MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, and both his MS in Electrical Engineering and his BS in Electrical and Computer Science from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

“Sand 9’s innovative MEMS technology is truly unique, and will enable the company to solve many problems for mobile device makers who have traditionally relied on quartz-based solutions,” said Mr. Pini. “I look forward to serving on the Board of Directors, and helping to shape the long-term growth strategy for Sand 9.”

Sand 9 is introducing a Temperature Compensated MEMS Oscillator (TCMO™), the industry’s first MEMS timing device to achieve the performance required for wireless applications such as 3G/4G cellular and GPS.

“Ralph’s extensive experience pioneering innovative technologies in the mobile communications space makes him an excellent addition to our Board of Directors,” said Vince Graziani, CEO, Sand 9. “Ralph has a combination of technical vision, business savvy and executive relationships that will enable him to contribute significantly to the long-term growth of Sand 9.”

About Sand 9

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cambridge, MA, Sand 9 is a venture-funded MEMS company dedicated to the design of precision timing technology that will dramatically improve the capabilities of electronic devices. The company’s investors include Commonwealth Capital, Flybridge Capital Partners, General Catalyst and Khosla Ventures. For more information, visit www.sand9.com.