Northport Systems Announces New Leadership to Usher in New Era
Robin Martel Acquires Leading Mapping Software and Cutting-Edge Solutions Manufacturer
TORONTO, Canada - Software manufacturer Northport Systems Inc., announced today that its existing President, Robin Martel, has acquired the company. Effective immediately, Mr. Martel will succeed Chairman Sam Rea as owner of the popular Fugawi desktop and mobile software manufacturer and the X-Traverse.com online chart subscription service. For six years, Mr. Martel has driven the evolution of Northport Systems' premier GPS-related land and marine navigation software brands and online services. His leadership marks a new milestone for the company and will be followed by new partnerships and solutions for marine and outdoors enthusiasts worldwide.
"I am proud to introduce Robin as the new President and CEO of Northport Systems," said Mr. Rea. "In his tenure as President, his tireless work, commitment to innovation and knowledge of this industry has been instrumental to the company and its customers. With his vision for the company, its products and solutions, I expect continued success and a new dawn for Northport Systems."
"Purchasing Northport Systems is a thrill and the realization of a long-time goal," said Mr. Martel. "I have a fresh vision with exciting new directions for the company that will elevates us from a software producer to a true solutions provider. I look forward to introducing our stakeholders, partners and customers to the new Northport Systems."
Mr. Martel joined Northport System as the Business Development Manager in 2002, and became the company's President three years later. Bringing over fifteen years of business, software and GPS-solution expertise to his new role, Mr. Martel has been involved in every aspect of operations at Northport Systems. He has led the software development; spearheaded business, sales and marketing initiatives; and directed customer support, service development and training. Prior to joining Northport Systems, Mr. Martel co-founded and led New Zealand-based GPS Control Ltd., working as its Managing Director and Technical Manager; held directorial positions with Pico Data Ltd. and Expressway Group Ltd.; and was the Marketing Manager, Sales Engineer and IT Manager for Geo-Systems Ltd. Mr. Martel is a graduate of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and has a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He resides in Toronto with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.
Northport Systems began operations fifteen years ago. Its first product was the affordable Fugawi-brand mapping software for GPS receivers, which allowed customers to scan and calibrate their own map images for use with early GPS handheld devices. The company has since expanded both its customer and product base, and now offers a selection of GPS-related software products for land, marine, commercial and military applications; as well as an extensive line of digital maps and charts for regions throughout the world that are available for instant download from X-Traverse.com to a wide variety of PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile devices. With its desktop, mobile and web-based navigation and mapping software products and services, available under the Fugawi, X-Traverse and third party brands in over 130 countries, Northport Systems enjoys a worldwide reputation as a leader in GPS mapping software and innovative GPS applications. The company believes the best products are delivered to customers by working closely with end-users and industry partners alike.
About Northport Systems Inc.:
Established in 1995 in Toronto, Canada, Northport Systems Inc. (www.fugawi.com) now supplies desktop and mobile navigation and mapping software products and online services to over 130 countries under the Fugawi, X-Traverse and associated third-party brands. Northport enjoys a worldwide reputation as a leader in GPS mapping software and innovative GPS applications for the outdoor recreation and marine markets. Fugawi Software and Fugawi X-Traverse are properties of Northport Systems.
For more information about Northport Systems and its entire product line, please call (416) 920-9300 or visit www.fugawi.com.
For imagery and other editorial requests, please contact:
Andrew Golden
Rushton Gregory Communications
617-413-6521
agolden@rushtongregory.com
Robin Martel
Northport Systems, Inc.
robin@fugawi.com
