ClearOne (News - Alert)  announced it has named Chris Wildfoerster as vice president of business development.  In his new role, Wildfoerster will report directly to Zee Hakimoglu, ClearOne's chairman and chief executive officer, and will immediately assume responsibility for ClearOne's IP licensing strategy, StreamNet Eco System partner development, new market development, direct large opportunities development, and a ClearOne partner affiliate program.

Wildfoerster has proven executive business development experience in the commercial and residential electronics markets with extensive knowledge and contacts in the audio and video arena. His expertise includes forming and leveraging strategic alliance partners and programs, market development, and product development. He has the ability to identify new product categories targeted towards new business and opening new markets. He has a successful track record in creating partner manufacturer programs with the ability to foster and manage these relationships.

'It is an exciting time to be working with ClearOne,' said Wildfoerster. 'I look forward to working with manufacturing partners, installing dealers, specifying consultants and end users to increase ClearOne's leadership position and expand the professional market.  My objective is to capitalize on the growing momentum of the market as IT and AV convergence accelerates and Unified Communications (News - Alert) solutions blossom.'

Prior to joining ClearOne, Wildfoerster worked as Director of Business Development for Crestron Electronics for 10 years where he was responsible for building and growing strategic alliances with partner manufacturers, along with directing OEM sales to further sales opportunities for Crestron.  He served as an independent consultant to CABA, the Continental Automated Buildings Association to assist member companies involved in the design, manufacture and installation of Intelligent Building Controls. Before Crestron, Wildfoerster worked for BOSE Corporation as Business Manager for the eastern region.  At BOSE, Chris assumed sales management responsibility for all custom residential and professional audio products sold in assigned regions.  Prior to BOSE, Wildfoerster spent 10 years with Bogen Communications as a National Sales Manager for commercial sound products.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from University of Montana. 

'This is a new and strategic position with the recent acquisition of NetStreams and the significant business opportunities this acquisition brings to ClearOne,' said Hakimoglu. 'Chris is widely recognized and respected in the audio and video industry for his knowledge and focus. He is uniquely qualified and will play a key role in driving future relationships and revenue opportunities.'