Source: GeoworksGEOWORKS NAMES EXPERIENCED MARKETING EXECUTIVE JACK BALOUSEK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALAMEDA, Calif. (Dec. 7, 1998) - Geoworks Corporation (NASDAQ National Market System: GWRX), a leading provider of wireless software and service solutions, today announced that Jack Balousek, former president, chief operating officer and a director of Foote, Cone & Belding Communications (FCB), has been named a director of the company. Balousek will work with Geoworks to refine and market its wireless information services strategy.
Balousek is currently executive vice president and a founder of Photo Alley, a San Francisco-based start-up company providing electronic commerce services.
Balousek joined the San Francisco office of FCB, one of the nation's leading advertising agencies, in 1979 and was named general manager of the office in 1986. He was named president of FCB West and a director of the firm in 1989, and was named president and chief operating officer of the $5 billion agency in 1991. While at FCB, he helped create brand equity for such leading brands as Levi's 501's, Dockers, California Dancing Raisins, Taco Bell, Mattel, Mazda Automobiles and Sunkist.
In 1996, Balousek was named chairman and chief executive officer of True North Technologies, the digital and interactive services company of FCB's parent company, True North Communications.
"Jack's broad experience in creating powerful brands for many of the world's leading companies will be a tremendous asset to Geoworks as we roll out our services for wireless communications carriers and device manufacturers, " said David Thatcher, president and chief executive officer.
"Geoworks is on the leading edge of developing services and content for the emerging wireless communications arena," Balousek noted. "The advanced wireless data capabilities available through the company's technology will enable wireless handsets to become powerful marketing tools in reaching consumers for top marketers," he added.
Prior to joining FCB, Balousek was in brand management at Procter & Gamble and helped create Lenscrafters, the country's largest one-hour optical superstore, guiding the company's expansion in North America and Europe. He served as a director for a number of the super optical companies, the California Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as a director of Transilluminant, a privately held company.
Balousek holds a B.A. degree from Creighton University and a Master's degree from Northwestern University.
About Geoworks
Based in Alameda, California, with international operations in the United Kingdom and Japan, Geoworks Corporation is a leading provider of end-to-end solutions for the wireless communications industry. The company creates operating system software, applications and actionable services for a variety of wireless devices, ranging from enhanced phones to high-end, all-in-one smart communicators. For additional information on Geoworks, contact the company on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that this press release includes forward-looking statements, including the emerging use of data capabilities within the wireless communications market, the company's ability to develop content, products and services for this market and the emergence of wireless handsets as powerful marketing tools. Actual results may vary significantly due to various risks and uncertainties. Those include, but are not limited to, the following: i) the wireless communications market may not emerge to the degree or in the timing anticipated; ii) the company must consummate definitive agreements with key partners; and iii) new technologies and new services are inherently subject to development, timing and consumer acceptance risks. Additional information is available in the Risk Factors and Business discussions in the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other filings available from the Company or from the Securities and Exchange Commission.