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Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) is a company committed to supporting today’s connected and mobile lifestyle. When it comes to finding reliable and high-performance solutions for a broad range of mobile computing and M2M communications, individual and enterprise customers count on Sierra’s comprehensive offering of hardware, software, and connected services, including AirCard AirPrime, AirLink (News - Alert), and AirVantage. In a recent press release, Sierra Wireless announced a new organizational structure to establish three new business units: M2M Embedded Solutions, Mobile Computing, and Solutions and Services. The company is seeking to sharpen its focus on distinct market opportunities and accelerate profitable growth.

These three new business units are created with the aim of offering dedicated sales, marketing and research, and development functions within each business unit. This is expected to enhance customer interaction.  According to Sierra Wireless officials, Common Wireless Platforms, an integrated supply chain, and a strong global presence add to the company’s competitive edge.

“With the integration of our M2M businesses complete, the time is right to launch a new organization that strengthens customer focus and enhances responsiveness in key markets. This business unit structure allows us to rapidly address different customer and product requirements in mobile computing, embedded M2M and M2M solutions, and positions us to drive strong, sustained growth and improved profitability,” commented Jason Cohenour, Sierra Wireless president and CEO.

Apart from establishing new business units, the company also introduced several key changes in the management hierarchy. Dan Schieler, former senior vice president of Worldwide Sales, has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Mobile Computing business unit, focusing on mobile broadband devices for operators and embedded wireless modules for laptops, netbooks, and other mobile computing devices.

Jim Kirkpatrick, former chief technology officer, has been named Senior Vice President of Engineering for the Mobile Computing business unit.

Didier Dutronc, former senior vice president of Global Marketing, has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the M2M Embedded Solutions business unit, focusing on embedded wireless modules for a broad range of market segments, from automotive to smart energy, healthcare and mobile consumer.

Pierre Teyssier continues as Senior Vice President of Engineering and joins the M2M Embedded Solutions business unit, reporting to Didier.

Emmanuel Walckenaer continues in his current role as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Solutions and Services business unit, with expanded responsibility for AirLink Intelligent Gateways and Routers.

Philippe Guillemette, former senior vice president of Advanced Technology, has been named Chief Technology Officer.

As a result of the consolidation of the Solutions and Services and AirLink business units, Andrew Berman, former senior vice president and general manager of the AirLink business unit, will be leaving Sierra Wireless. At the same time, the company downsized its global workforce by six percent. This is expected to result in an operating expense reduction of approximately $1 million per quarter, once fully implemented.

These actions are expected to be largely completed during the fourth quarter of 2010. The financial impact of these reductions is expected to be partially offset in 2011 by investments to support new growth opportunities. The company expects to incur a pre-tax charge of approximately $4.5 million in the third quarter for severance and other costs related to this program.