INDUSTRY

Christie Digital Systems, Inc., a leading provider of visual solutions for business, entertainment and industry, has promoted two top industry veterans to new positions as part of its latest nationwide initiatives in the visual environments market. With over 25 years' experience, Tom Olechnowicz becomes Senior Director, Simulation Sales & Business Development. Bringing extensive experience in the virtual reality and immersive environments fields, Frank Hepburn becomes Christie's new Senior Director, Sales & Business Development, 3D Visualization. The move helps solidify Christie's reputation as a market leader and strengthens its ongoing, strategic initiatives to expand its diverse customer base. Since joining Christie in 2005, Tom Olechnowicz has played a key role in the sale of Christie display solutions for the Immersive Environments market. Most recently, he handled the installation for the Air Education & Training Command's KC-135 refueling simulators. In his new position, Tom will head up the North American sales team, responsible for the sales and business development of Christie's TotalVIEW solutions. Christie's pioneering TotalVIEW solutions are comprised of comprehensive product offerings and customer-driven service, backed by the industry's most experienced professionals. Prior to Christie, Olechnowicz managed global sales for a large federal systems integrator and developed new subcontractor management procedures and guidelines for new major contracts. He has worked for major industry players such as Boeing, Sun Microsystems, SGI & Lockheed Martin. Frank Hepburn will manage the 3D Visualization sales team, developing new business and meeting the sales goals set for the team. He joined Christie two years ago as Senior Sales Manager in the Immersive Solutions Group and has been instrumental in securing new customer relationships and key contracts. His experience in the market will be instrumental in helping the Christie 3D Visualization team win critical industry contracts. Hepburn previously held key sales positions at Fakespace Systems, selling Virtual Reality/Immersive Solutions, and at Kaiser Electro-Optics, selling Helmet/Head Mounted Display Systems. "As Christie continues to grow in the Visual Environments industry, our strongest resources are the knowledge, skills, and commitment of our people," observes David Fluegeman, Vice President, Visual Environments. "Tom and Frank bring a keen understanding of the market, that is a hallmark of Christie's professionalism and industry expertise. Their in-depth understanding of 3D visualization and simulation provides a strong, dynamic foundation for success."