Tuesday April 25, 2:01 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
VA Linux Systems Appoints Managing Director of European
Operations
VA Linux to Open Offices in France, UK, Germany, The Netherlands and
Switzerland
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2000--VA Linux Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:LNUX - news), a recognized
leader in Linux and Open Source solutions for Internet infrastructure, today announced that it has named William Cobert as
managing director of European operations.
Cobert will lead the company's expansion into Europe and will report to Robert Russo, general manager and senior vice
president of worldwide field operations for VA Linux Systems. The company is currently in the process of establishing its
operations in France, Germany, The United Kingdom and The Netherlands. VA Linux Systems' European operations will be
headquartered in Switzerland.
``As VA Linux expands as a global company, we look forward to working with new European customers to help them build
out their Internet infrastructure,'' said Dr. Larry M. Augustin, president and CEO of VA Linux Systems. ``We are very
pleased that William Cobert has joined VA Linux to help us take advantage of the tremendous demand for Linux solutions in
the European Internet market--and work with the wealth of outstanding talent in the Open Source developer community in
Europe.''
William Cobert is a ten-year veteran of SGI, where he served most recently as managing director of Southern European
operations. Prior to holding that position at SGI, Cobert also served as managing director of SGI's operations in The
Netherlands and France and started SGI's operations in Belgium.
Also joining VA Linux in Europe is Didier Guyomarc'h, who will serve as managing director of French operations, and
Steven Naarding, who will serve as managing director of the European Multi-Country Area, based in The Netherlands.
``The initial response we've received in Europe has been very enthusiastic,'' said Robert Russo, general manager and senior
vice president of worldwide field operations for VA Linux Systems. ``Our new European team is exploring business
relationships with other companies and is in the process of recruiting talented Linux engineers and salespeople to ramp up
VA Linux Systems' entry into Europe.''
More information on business and employment opportunities with VA Linux Systems in Europe is available via email:
europe@valinux.com.
