HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aptela, a leading provider of hosted Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, today announced that Douglas Strahan has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Strahan joined Aptela three years ago as Chief Financial Officer and succeeds Larry Barker, who has been named Chairman of the Board.

“Where other companies have faltered, Aptela is now an even healthier company with enviable financials and a clear direction for the future.”

Mr. Strahan brings more than 25 years of financial leadership experience to his new role with Aptela, including 12 years in a senior executive capacity with emerging and high growth technology businesses. He has strategically guided Aptela through the current economic downturn, improving gross margins, reducing operating expenses and increasing the company’s customer base. Aptela achieved EBITDA profitability in the fourth quarter of 2009 for the first time since the company’s inception.

“Over the past year, Doug has helped Aptela navigate a difficult economy with exceptional financial acumen and leadership,” says Barker. “Where other companies have faltered, Aptela is now an even healthier company with enviable financials and a clear direction for the future.”

Mr. Strahan takes the reins at an exciting time as Aptela prepares to launch the next generation of its hosted PBX and VoIP application and accelerate its growth in the small business market. Last fall, the company ranked number 78 on Technology Fast 500™, Deloitte LLP’s ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Aptela team,” says Strahan. “Our VoIP solutions empower small businesses – from sole entrepreneurs to multi-entity companies – with powerful PBX capabilities, providing them with robust productivity tools and a customer experience that is unsurpassed. Together with the company’s strong management team and a talented and focused staff, we will continue to serve the communication needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.”

Prior to joining Aptela, Mr. Strahan was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of INPUT, the leading government market research firm. He also served as Chief Financial Officer for two early stage businesses: Advocates On Call and BIA Financial Network, a premier financial advisor to the communications industry. Prior to BIA, he was Director of Finance for a $600 million division of Blockbuster Entertainment and Controller for a $100 million unit of Bardon, Inc. Mr. Strahan began his career at General Electric, in the company’s world-class financial management training program.

He holds a post-MBA certificate in Accounting and a MBA in International Business from George Washington University, Washington, DC, and a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.

About Aptela

Aptela is a leading provider of enterprise-class hosted Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Aptela’s Software as a Service (SaaS) business model provides SMBs with a reliable, secure and affordable telephony solution—a valuable alternative to costly internal PBX systems. Aptela’s flexible applications are designed to be fully integrated into the workflow of today’s distributed and mobile workforce. Unlike traditional telephony that is tied to a physical location, Aptela’s features can be accessed—anywhere, anytime—through the Internet, traditional wire-line or cellular networks. Aptela was recently recognized as a 2009 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company with a #78 ranking overall and a #15 ranking amongst telecommunications/network providers. The Fast 500 program ranks the country’s fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. For more information, visit www.aptela.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/aptela.

Contacts

Aptela
Jackie Funk, 703-386-1500 ext. 9206
jfunk@aptela.com