Editions   North America | Europe | Magazine

WhatTheyThink

Pitney Bowes Appoints Marc B. Lautenbach as President and CEO

Press release from the issuing company

27-Year IBM Veteran Brings Extensive Experience and Proven Track Record in Technology Services
Murray D. Martin to Retire as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer; Michael I. Roth Named Non-Executive Chairman
 
STAMFORD, Conn., - Pitney Bowes Inc. today announced that the Pitney Bowes Board of Directors has appointed Marc B. Lautenbach as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Lautenbach joins Pitney Bowes with nearly 30 years of experience in the technology and business services industry, having served in senior leadership positions at IBM.
 
Mr. Lautenbach succeeds Murray D. Martin, who is retiring as the company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and has resigned from the company's board of directors. Mr. Martin will continue to work with Mr. Lautenbach on an effective transition.
 
The Pitney Bowes Board also announced today that Michael I. Roth, currently Lead Independent Director, has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Lautenbach has also been appointed to the company's Board, effective immediately. With these changes, the Pitney Bowes Board of Directors includes 13 individuals, 12 of whom are independent.
 
At different stages of his 27-year career at IBM, Mr. Lautenbach oversaw the small- and medium-size (SMB) customer segment. In addition, as the executive responsible for sales in the Americas, he has had substantial experience in the enterprise and federal government segments. Most recently, Mr. Lautenbach served as Managing Partner of IBM North America Global Business Services. Mr. Lautenbach has served in various senior management positions of increasing responsibility, including General Manager, IBM North America; General Manager, IBM Global Small and Medium Business; and Vice President, IBM Asia-Pacific Small and Medium Business.
 
"The Board is pleased to welcome Marc to Pitney Bowes as the company's next President and CEO," said Mr. Roth. "Marc is a successful leader and manager, with a proven track record within the technology and business services industry in the SMB and Enterprise segments, as well as in transforming businesses, both within IBM and for its customers.

During his tenure at IBM, Marc developed a reputation for delivering consistent results while assisting companies to reach their full potential. This experience is of critical importance to Pitney Bowes at this important time of change for our company and our industry. The Board is confident that Marc is ideally suited to lead Pitney Bowes, and as the non-Executive Chairman, I look forward to working closely with Marc and the senior management team to execute on our strategy to be a leading provider of customer communications solutions."
 
Mr. Roth continued, "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Murray for his dedication and many outstanding contributions in his 26 years with the company. Under his leadership, Murray has overseen numerous acquisitions, many major technological innovations and strategic initiatives to streamline the business and focus on high growth opportunities. The Board appreciates his ongoing support and we wish Murray the best in his retirement."
 
Mr. Martin said, "I am proud to have been a part of Pitney Bowes' growth and evolution since joining the company in 1987. I believe Marc has the right background and experience to lead Pitney Bowes forward, and to execute on the initiatives necessary to drive future growth and value creation for shareholders."
 
Mr. Lautenbach stated, "It is an honor to lead Pitney Bowes, a company with a long and proud history. I view this as a time of great opportunity to build an even stronger future for the company with its valuable portfolio of innovative products and solutions, strong customer relationships and a team of deeply talented and devoted employees around the world. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, executive team, and all Pitney Bowes employees to enhance the company's market position and accelerate our transformation for future growth and success for the benefit of all stakeholders."
 
The company reiterated the guidance it provided on November 1, 2012, and anticipates 2012 guidance for:

  • Revenue, excluding the impacts of currency, to remain in a range of flat to a decline of 4 percent when compared to 2011;
  • Adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to be in the range of $1.95 to $2.15;
  • GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to be in the range of $1.78 to $2.08; and
  • Free cash flow to be in the range of $750 million to $850 million.
Discussion

Join the discussion Sign In or Become a Member, doing so is simple and free

WhatTheyThink is the official show daily media partner of drupa 2024. More info about drupa programs