Bell and Howell Names Former Pitney Bowes Exec Ramesh Ratan CEO

DURHAM, NC—November 19, 2013—Bell and Howell, a leading global provider of multi-channel communications solutions for print, Web and mobile delivery, announced today that Ramesh Ratan will become the company’s CEO on January 3, 2014. Ratan served most recently as president of Pitney Bowes Document Messaging Technologies and President of Pitney Bowes Marketing Services Solutions. He replaces Kamal Advani, interim CEO and managing director of Versa Capital Management, which is the controlling shareholder of Bell and Howell.

Bell and Howell Chairman and Versa CEO Gregory Segall said, “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. 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.”

Ratan brings to Bell and Howell a distinguished career and extensive experience in multi-channel communications solutions. One of his earlier career positions was 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 in his career, Ratan served as executive vice president and COO of the Direct Marketing Association. He earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics and an MBA, as well as a PhD at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business.

Ratan stated, “I’m excited to join an iconic American company that is recognized as a leader in providing high-value customer communication solutions. I look forward to relocating to Durham and to working with the team to drive new growth through innovation and exceptional customer service.”

Advani will remain interim CEO until Ratan’s start date. Thereafter, he will remain involved as a Bell and Howell board member and Versa’s day-to-day contact with Ratan and the company. Segall acknowledged that “Kamal has been a highly effective interim CEO. With his intimate knowledge of Bell and Howell, he will play a valuable role to ensure a smooth leadership transition to Ramesh.”

About Bell and Howell
Bell and Howell is a leading global provider of multi-channel communications solutions, providing messaging technologies for print, Web and mobile delivery. We dedicate ourselves to drive positive growth for our customers and our suite of solutions are designed to be open and flexible, solve unique customer needs, and enable the highest quality and lowest cost production of highly relevant customer communications. Supporting these solutions is one of the largest dedicated service organizations in the industry. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, the company maintains development and manufacturing facilities in Wheeling, IL, Bethlehem, PA, Rochester, NY, Dallas, and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Source: Bell and Howell.