Mike Baker, Chairman, Board of Directors
Mike has spent his career building companies as an investor, entrepreneur and senior operating executive, with over 20 years pioneering new digital media platforms. Most recently, Mike was Vice President of Nokia and Head of Nokia Interactive, the handset giant’s mobile advertising business unit. Prior to joining Nokia, Mike was the founding investor and later CEO of mobile advertising leader, Enpocket, which was acquired by Nokia in 2007. Mike came to Enpocket from venture capital firm Grand Banks Capital, which focuses on investments in new media, financial technologies, and internet infrastructure companies. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President at CMGI and Engage Technologies, Inc., an innovator in online advertising and behavioral targeting, where he guided the company through its IPO, international expansion and over $2 billion in acquisitions.
Mike holds degrees in law and telecommunications management, frequently writes and speaks about digital media, and is a widely recognized thought leader in interactive advertising.
Ernie Cormier, Board Member & CEO
Ernie Cormier is the CEO of Nexage and responsible for the company’s strategic direction and business operations. He has built a successful career in wireless, digital media and content, software, and the Internet. He has a wide range of experience at both Fortune 500 companies and technology start-ups, including Virgin Media, Nextel Communications, and TradeOut, Inc.
Devkumar Gandhi, Founder & Board Member
Devkumar is the Founder of Nexage, and was the CEO from 2006 till early 2010. For the last 20 years, Devkumar has been involved in wireless carrier operations and high-tech entrepreneurialism with experience in developing and marketing mobile & online advertising and media technology. Devkumar has experience in management team recruiting, company formation, entrepreneurial finance, capital acquisition, strategic business development, technology and marketing strategy. Devkumar raised over $10M in financing for companies he has founded, including venture capital and angel investments.
Prior to Nexage, since 2000, Devkumar founded Wyngate, operating BuyPhone.com, and developed and marketed mCash, mobile payment and marketing products to wireless operators worldwide. Prior to this, since 1993, Devkumar has been in various management positions with Nextel and Nextel International. He was responsible for Technology development for Nextel Communications. Later at Nextel International, as Director of Technology Strategy, he was responsible for worldwide Engineering and Operations. While with Nextel International he established operations in China, Philippines, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Prior to Nextel, Devkumar was responsible for Software development for Teradyne, Inc.
Devkumar has Master of Science in Computer Science from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Master of Business Administration in Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Karnatak University in India.
John Albright, Board Member
John Albright is Co-Managing Partner of the BlackBerry Partners Fund™ and founder of JLA Ventures. Mr. Albright has held senior positions with several private equity and venture capital firms. During his tenure in the private equity and venture capital business Mr. Albright gained extensive experience assisting entrepreneurs and managers to shape their vision and capital plans into successful long term growth programs which typically involve an aggressive acquisition and financing strategy. Mr. Albright has a history of assisting entrepreneurial companies through significant growth and eventually to the public markets. His ability to work with and advise senior management of investee companies as well as his skills in filling supporting roles where existing management lack the experience or skill set, has been vital to the success of past investments.
Mr. Albright is a Chartered Financial Analyst and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Mr. Albright serves as a director of Q9 Networks Inc., ZipLocal Inc., First Coverage, Shoplogix Inc., I Love Rewards, and the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) and is an advisory board member of the North American Venture Capital Association.
Tim Wright, Board Member
Tim has over 20 years of operating experience in various technology industries. The combined value of the exits Tim has been involved with is over $17 billion. Tim has also overseen 39 mergers and acquisitions during his operating career. Tim brings a wealth of operational and technology experience to the team. Tim currently represents GrandBanks Capital on the boards of; Celtra, Achievers, Vivox, Inc and exit41 where he serves as Chairman. Tim also sponsored and managed the investment in xkoto (sold to Teradata in May 2010).
Prior to joining GrandBanks Capital, Tim held several key operating roles at Geac Computer Corporation Ltd. (TSX: GAC; NASDAQ: GEAC) serving as CEO of the company’s International operations (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Pacific), responsible for approximately $220 million of Geac’s $440 million in total revenue and responsible for managing 1,300 people in 20 countries. Geac was acquired by private equity firm, Golden Gate Capital, for $1.0 billion in cash.
From November 1999 through December 2002, Tim served as a Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer at Terra Lycos S.A. (NASDAQ: TRLY; MADX: TRR), a company possessing the largest global footprint of any Internet group at the time. Tim was Lycos’ CTO at the time of its sale to Terra Networks, S.A. in 2000 for over $12 billion. With a presence in 42 countries and content in 19 languages, the company’s technology reached 116 million unique users per month. He oversaw 750 staff members in 10 development centers around the world and was responsible for managing a budget of over $350 million in capital spending and operating expenses. Tim was also responsible for the integration efforts of nine companies that were acquired by Terra Lycos during his time with the company, including Gamesville, a SOFTBANK Venture Capital investment led by Charley Lax.
From 1992 through October 1999, Tim was Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for The Learning Company ("TLC") (NYSE:TLC). At TLC, Tim was responsible for the integration of 25 acquired businesses, culminating in the $3.8 billion sale to Mattel in May 1999.