October 22, 2007

Bernafon, a leading developer of innovative hearing  solutions, has announced that Joseph Lugara has been named new Chief Operating  Officer and President for Bernafon, LLC (USA).

Bernafon reports that effective immediately Lugara will be  responsible for business execution, financial results, operational performance, and the  overall development and growth strategy for Bernafon, LLC.  Lugara will report to Erich Spahr, Global CEO and President, Bernafon AG.

"We have  an ambitious strategic plan for the growth of Bernafon-US. We look to Joe’s experience and  deep understanding ofthe US market and customers to help attain the scale of business  that we believe Bernafon, LLC is capable of achieving,” says Spahr.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have found someone with Joe Lugara’s extensive industry  knowledge and successful executive managerial background," says Tony Sulsona, vice  president of sales and marketing for Bernafon, LLC. "His leadership and managerial prowess  will serve us well as we continue to expand our US market share."

For the past 22 years before joining Bernafon Lugara worked for Siemens Hearing Instruments. Most recently he served as Siemens vice president of sales and vice president of major accounts. Lugara stated: “With its exciting new product portfolio, smart marketing and  commitment to delivering customer satisfaction, Bernafon is quickly becoming recognized  as a leader in our industry. I am very pleased to have joined the company at this time and look forward to introducing Bernafon’s innovative technology to new partners and customers.”

Source: Bernafon