WOBURN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: TYPE), a leading provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices, today announced it has appointed Ben Semmes to serve as the company’s executive vice president of sales and market strategy. In his role, Ben will be responsible for collaborating with the executive team to drive top line revenue, taking ownership of the company’s business models, product and solutions offerings, global go-to-market strategies and sales enablement. Separately, the company today announced that Monotype Executive Vice President John Seguin plans to retire on June 30, 2016. Seguin has been with Monotype since 2004.
Semmes joins Monotype from Pitney Bowes Corporation, where he had worked since 2006, most recently as senior vice president of maintenance and professional services for the company’s Digital Commerce Services division. In his time at Pitney Bowes, Semmes was responsible for two thirds of Pitney Bowes Software's revenue and leading new go-to-market strategies and offerings for data, services and maintenance. Prior, he served as Pitney Bowes Software’s Group Operating Officer where he managed a $165 million budget and led the division’s global growth strategy, establishing a number of standard global business practices and collaboration initiatives. Semmes also previously served in a number of leadership roles at Oracle Corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master of Science Degree in Management from the Stevens Institute of Technology.
“Monotype has a fascinating history and the company’s growth trajectory over the past several years is impressive, but what really excites me is its abundance of growth prospects for the future,” Semmes said. “I look forward to leading the company through its next phase of growth by continuing to build and implement new, innovative and scalable business models, while leveraging the strength of its legacy and the richness of Monotype’s IP.”
Semmes will report to Monotype COO and CFO Scott Landers, who is expected to be named CEO in January 2016.
“As Monotype’s markets evolve and we continue to look to launch innovative new products and services, it’s critical that we continue to build a leadership team that has both experience and proven success helping organizations develop and embrace a culture of scale behavior and growth,” said Landers. “We’re confident that Ben’s experience will not only help us to capitalize on near-term business opportunities, but shape a holistic product development and execution plan that will continue to position us positively for the future.”
Additionally, Monotype EVP John Seguin intends to retire from the company effective June 30, 2016. Seguin joined Monotype in 2004 as senior vice president and general manager of the company’s display imaging business and has served as EVP of the company’s business units since 2007, playing a significant role in Monotype’s growth and organizational change over that time. He will work with the executive team over the next year to ensure a smooth transition.
“John’s contribution and dedication to Monotype over the past 11 years has been unwavering,” said Doug Shaw, president and CEO of Monotype. “He’s been a key driver in diversifying Monotype from a printer dominated business to a much more balanced portfolio of OEM and Creative Professional offerings. As a result of John’s efforts, we’re well along the path of executing our vision to empower every word and experience with our type, technology and expertise. His insights and business acumen have been instrumental in helping Monotype become a nearly $200 million company.”
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements including those related to future revenues and operating results, the execution of the company’s growth strategy, anticipated business momentum and impact of management changes that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: risks associated with changes in the economic climate, including decreased demand for fonts or products that incorporate the company’s solutions; risks associated with the company’s ability to integrate products, services and employees from acquired companies in a timely manner or at all; risks associated with changes in the financial markets, including the availability of credit; risks associated with increased competition, which may result in the company losing customers or force it to reduce prices; risks associated with the development and market acceptance of new products, product features or services; risks associated with the company’s ability to adapt its products or services to new markets and to anticipate and quickly respond to evolving technologies and customer requirements; and risks associated with the ownership and enforcement of the company’s intellectual property. Additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by the company is available in the company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 and subsequent filings. The forward-looking financial information set forth in this press release reflects estimates based on information available at this time. These amounts could differ from actual reported amounts stated in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014. While Monotype may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if an estimate changes.
About Monotype
Monotype is a leading global provider of typefaces, technology and expertise that enable the best user experience and ensure brand integrity. Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Monotype provides customers worldwide with typeface solutions for a broad range of creative applications and consumer devices. The company’s libraries and e-commerce sites are home to many of the most widely used typefaces – including the Helvetica®, Frutiger® and Univers® families – as well as the next generation of type designs. Further information is available at www.monotype.com. Follow Monotype on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Monotype, Helvetica and Frutiger are trademarks of Monotype Imaging Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Univers is a trademark of Monotype GmbH registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2015 Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.
