Bell and Howell LLC, Durham, N.C., a leading global provider of multi-channel communications solutions, named Ramesh Ratan as its CEO, effective Jan. 3, 2014.
“I’m excited to join an iconic American company that is recognized as a leader in providing high value customer communication solutions,” Ratan said. “I look forward to relocating to Durham and to working with the team to drive new growth through innovation and exceptional customer service.”
After studying mathematics as a undergraduate, Ratan went on to receive a master’s in business administration, as well as a Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business. Early in his career, he was a distinguished member of technical staff and founder of the AT&T consumer lab in Bell Laboratories where he led teams that developed new technologies and service innovations. Later on, he served as EVP and chief operating officer of the Direct Marketing Association. He earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a
Most recently, he served as the president of Pitney Bowes Document Messaging Technologies and President of Pitney Bowes Marketing Services Solutions.
“We are fortunate to have recruited a senior executive with extensive industry knowledge and relevant experience to lead the company through its next phase of renewal and growth,” Gregory Segall, Bell and Howell chairman and Versa CEO, said. “Ramesh is an acknowledged leader in this industry and will have a positive impact on our ability to deliver the best solutions to our customers today and to develop innovative products and services in the future.”
Kamal Advani, managing director of Versa Capital Management LLC, the controlling shareholder of Bell and Howell, has been serving as interim CEO since former CEO Leslie Stern stepped down in September for personal reasons. Advani will remain interim CEO until Jan. 3, 2014. Thereafter, he will remain involved as a Bell and Howell board member and Versa’s day-to-day contact with Mr. Ratan and the company.
“Kamal has been a highly effective interim CEO,” Segall said. “With his intimate knowledge of Bell and Howell, he will play a valuable role to ensure a smooth leadership transition to Ramesh.”
For more information, visit www.bellhowell.net.
