NovaStor's management team and executives have over 200 years of shared experience focused on results in overcoming real world challenges in the computer and data lifecycle industries. Our group has what it takes to build successful companies that are able to capitalize on growth markets and create wealth for all stakeholders. We have management systems in place that keep us on top of the big picture - as well as the small details of running a customer-centric business in today's world.

 

Management Team

Stefan Utzinger (CEO)

After developing IT-systems for the EU and the Hoechst AG as a student, Stefan Utzinger laid the groundwork of his entrepreneurial engagement with the foundation of Conceptware AG in 1992. He led the company specializing in content management systems as chairman of the board until 2001 - acquiring renowned VC companies as investors. Among others, a leading German economics magazine recognized his work: According to "WirtschaftsWoche" he belongs to the "Elite of the Future" and was awarded respectively in the year 2000.

Stefan Utzinger continued to consult leading IT-enterprises strategically, thereby contributing to the building of a sales network. Among his tasks were the position as Head of Partner business with Intershop and the setting-up of the outsourcing business at Arvato Systems. Another milestone was the expansion of the European distribution network for Allaire (now Adobe).

Stefan Utzinger joined NovaStor in 2004. After being in charge of the research & development processes, he was assigned Executive Vice President Marketing & Technology. In 2007 Stefan Utzinger has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this role he is responsible for NovaStor's worldwide business operations.

Mike Andrews (Managing Director & Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales)

Mike Andrews was promoted to the position of Managing Director in January 2007, retaining the title of Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales, a position which he has held at NovaStor since July of 2000. He is responsible for the operations of NovaStor's North American head quarters and for the global sales of NovaStor's complete product line.

Prior to NovaStor, in 1990, he managed a Canadian government inventory tracking and security initiative for 7 years leading to hundreds of millions in cost avoidance and savings, In 1997, he then became the Executive Vice President of Sales at Authentex Software, acting as the North American Distribution for ThunderByte Anti-Virus and a world wide distributor for the award winning DataSafe Encryption Software solution.

He is a 17 year veteran of the data security industry, is co-founder of a system integration and services company and currently sits on the board of Paradox, a non-profit organization that furnishes under privileged students with computers and professional training to assist in the creation of better work opportunities.

 

Board of Directors

Adrian Knapp (Chairman & CEO of Novavisions AG)

Adrian Knapp has a Master's in Business Economics. After a commercial education and employment outside of the IT industry, including an extended period abroad, he began his career in IT in 1987. In 1991 he was co-founder of Dicom AG, an International IT company which became DICOM PLC and went public on AIM London in 1995.

In 1994 he joined COPE AG, a Swiss based IT firm he co-founded. Cope went public on Nasdaq in 1998 and later merged with Mount10. Mount10 went public on Neuer Markt, Frankfurt in 2000. Mount10 bought NovaStor in 2005.

In 2006 he was the main initiator of Novavisions AG, a Holding Company that invests in technology companies with focus in the Digital Lifestyle market. Novavisions holds 40% of NovaStor. Adrian serves as Chairman and together with Markus Bernhard and the management team he is responsible for NovaStor's strategic direction.

Markus Bernhard (CFO of mobilezone holding AG)

Markus Bernhard graduated from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) as a licensed Business Economist HSG. He worked for Pricewaterhouse between 1991 and 1997. During this period, he became a Certified Public Accountant.

He became Chief Financial Officer of COPE, Inc. in September 1997 and held the same position at Mount10 and NovaStor. He was the main driver in the IPO processes of COPE (Nasdaq 1998) and Mount10 (Neuer Markt Frankfurt, 2000).

Markus is a Board Member of Novavisions and served as CFO for Novavisions till March 2007. In April 2007 he became CFO of mobilezone holding ag, the leading Swiss based independent mobile phone provider.