Rick Coleman Interim President and CEO, Crossroads

Crossroads Systems, Inc. announced that the board of directors has appointed Richard K. ‘Rick’ Coleman, Jr. currently a company director, as interim president and CEO, effective immediately, until the selection process for a permanent president and CEO is complete.

Coleman replaces Robert C. Sims, former president and CEO, who has left the company.

"We would like to thank Rob for his dedication and contributions to the company over the years," commented Jeffrey Eberwein, chairman-elect of Crossroads Systems’ board of directors. "We appreciate all his efforts and wish him every success in his future endeavors."

"The board is excited to be working with Rick Coleman to build on the company’s momentum at a time of tremendous opportunity," Eberwein continued. "Having led a number of successful technology company start-ups and turnarounds, Rick is the ideal person to take on the interim CEO role at this point in the company’s development, to drive it forward and at the same time work closely with the board and the appropriate outside advisors in the selection process for a permanent new president and CEO. Moreover, recognizing the tremendous opportunities that lie before us, the board of directors has also committed to making significant enhancements to the company’s technical advisory board. The addition of industry experts will help us strengthen our product messaging and ensure we have a product evolution plan aligned with market and customer needs."

Coleman has a background as a private investor and business advisor. His company, Rocky Mountain Venture Services (RMVS), has helped technology companies plan and launch new business ventures and restructuring initiatives since 1998. He has served in a variety of senior operational roles, including CEO of Vroom Technologies, COO of MetroNet Communications, and president of US West Long Distance, and led Sprint Communications‘ technology management division. He has served as an Adjunct Professor for Regis University‘s Graduate management program and is a guest lecturer for Denver University, focusing on leadership and ethics.

He holds a B.S. Degree from the United States Air Force Academy, an MBA from Golden Gate University, and is a graduate of the United States Air Force Communications Systems Officer School.

"Crossroads Systems has a great history, an extremely talented team of employees, and a tremendous reputation," Coleman said. "The company’s Strong Box has the potential to be the most innovative data archive solution in the industry. I also want to thank Rob for his steadfast leadership, and wish him the best."