The Company
Better Vehicles Faster. The Future of Vehicle Knowledge Management
The transportation industry has come a long way over the past century. The transition from horse and buggy to 1,000+ horsepower engines and electric hybrid vehicles happened relatively quickly in the larger scheme of human civilization. Of course, with that kind of explosive technological advancement, some growing pains were inevitable.
Today’s vehicles are smarter than ever. The average commercial production vehicle rolling off the line has more intelligence under the hood than the so-called supercomputers that took up several rooms just a few short decades ago. Unfortunately, in many respects, manufacturing models are only now just beginning to catch up with those advances.
More intelligent machines require more intelligent means of production, tracking and updating. From engineering to engine light issue resolution and every step in between, today’s high-tech vehicles require a higher level of maintenance and production management capabilities.
Vehicle knowledge management (Premio) is the science that drives everything we do here at Movimento. In order to provide our customers with the most advanced automotive diagnostics products, vehicle tracking, software reflashing services and fleet management solutions possible, Movimento is always developing new ideas and innovations.
For example, Movimento’s research and development team is currently fine-tuning the technology that will soon allow every vehicle to go online anywhere in the world and download the latest software updates to its operating system. As cloud-based network technologies continue to advance and wireless bandwidths increase worldwide, the Company looks forward to making the Venturo™ link solution commercially available.
Given the increasingly pressing industry need for automotive software updating, the potential for this cloud-based automotive software updating and diagnostics technology is market-changing.
The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, with additional offices in Gothenburg, Sweden and Hinckley, England.
Movimento Product & Services Offerings
The automobile market is driving forward at breakneck pace. As technological advancements change our capabilities and open more doors, it has become more critical than ever to keep vehicles (and vehicle software) up to date. Consumers are clamoring for more advanced features, better technology and more customizable software in their vehicles. From navigation systems to autonomous parking, our cars seem to be built with more software than hardware!
Automobile software is always changing. Whether these changes result from consumer shifts, manufacturer recalls or automotive warranties, the result is the same: Automotive OEMs and the rest of the supply chain need reliable reflash technology to keep vehicles updated effectively.
Why Now?
Car manufacturers have had a turbulent few years: In 2012, General Motors issued 17 recalls involving 1.5 million vehicles; in 2013, 23 recalls were issued for 800,000 cars; and already in 2014, more than 29 mandatory recalls affected almost 13 million units worldwide.
At this point, voluntary and mandatory automobile recalls seem almost commonplace. But to automobile owners, dealerships and rental agencies, these recalls are devastating. Consumers are understandably wary, and if you don't offer proof that your inventory is safe and up to date with new vehicle software, they'll find someone who does.
For dealerships, recalls affect current inventory and future deliveries, which create serious problems for pending sales. Recalls also add a new burden: following up with past customers to make sure they're aware of potential hazards.
Puma 3: Vehicle Reflashing Revolutionized
In order to meet the automotive software updating needs of OEMs and component manufacturers worldwide, Movimento has developed the industry’s most technologically advanced vehicle reflashing and diagnostic device.
The PUMA 3 from Movimento represents a revolution in handheld vehicle reflash technology. Whether it’s utilized in R&D or workshop environments, this versatile and powerful handheld design provides an innovative level of user ease for stand-alone vehicle diagnostics and automotive software updating applications.
Altero™: Expert Vehicle Reflash Solutions
Whether the need is a one-time ECU reflash emergency or require ongoing vehicle reflashing services to keep the production line moving smoothly, Movimento’s Altero method for vehicle reflashing meets all OEM automotive software updating and vehicle diagnostics needs.
What’s more, with Movimento as a partner, through its proactive Altero preparedness program, Movimento takes the time to learn individual customer’s’ unique requirements, preloading its line of advanced handheld vehicle reflash devices to meet the OEM customer’s exact specifications. The result is even faster response times to help automotive manufacturers keep production on schedule.
Premio: Vehicle Hardware And Software Integration
Movimento's Premio solution is a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing the hardware and software status of major vehicle systems.
The Movimento Premio service package includes:
Managed update of in-vehicle systems by a dedicated team of Movimento resources Updates to include hardware (new physical modules / displays) and software (firmware, calibrations)
Movimento team proactively engages with the applicable vehicle owners to schedule updates
Management of system knowledge data in Nuvolo by VIN or other unique vehicle ID: VIN-specific data preparation of automotive software and calibration for accuracy and efficiency
Complete traceability of all data written to and read from the system modules
Diagnostic codes and error messages
Historical record of changes and updates
Secure, managed user rights: Access to system data via Nuvolo for defined OEM users as approved
Access to module or system data via Nuvolo for OEM suppliers as approved
In addition to these core components, Movimento's Premio services include data display integration as well as on-site fleet management by a dedicated team of experts.
Venturo™: The Leading Software Reflash Technology
Keeping automobiles up to date is more critical than ever. From reducing recall and warranty costs to deploying customized software updates to any vehicle, it is all about delivering Better Vehicles Faster®.
Movimento Venturo is the market-leading software reflash technology providing secure and robust in-vehicle software updates. Think of it as a secure, wireless bridge that seamlessly connects both on-board and off-board environments.
Venturo technology enables Over-the-Air programming of software and firmware updates supporting all possible automotive communication network technologies, including but not limited to CAN, USB, Ethernet, Flexray, LIN and MOST. Venturo brings value throughout the vehicle development process, during vehicle assembly and directly to consumer vehicles.
The Position
Detail of Responsibilities
The Head of Global Sales for Movimento Group is responsible for playing a leadership role in the sales function of the company, planning and directing all the aspects of sales and marketing, including new customer acquisition and existing key account management by performing the following duties—
• Responsible for the definition and execution of a sales plan for business development within desired markets in alignment with company strategy.
• Responsible for corporate marketing and sales materials.
• Responsible for resource and project prioritization to balance customer requirements.
• Participates and contributes to the development, execution and achievement of the company's overall strategy.
• Championing the recruiting, selecting, orientating, training, coaching and disciplining of the sales team.
• Foster a success-oriented and accountable environment within sales.
• Assist customers who require immediate and/or emergency services by going above and beyond to ensure completion in a timely and successful manner.
Key skills, experience, and segment background include the following:
FUNCTIONAL skills/experience needed
• Consultative sales approach
• Both direct and channel partner sales
• Remote sales team management
• Sales hiring/sales team building
• Management of global country managers
• Automotive OEM & tier 1 supplier customer rolodex
• Both new customer prospecting ("hunter") and key account management ("farmer")
INDUSTRY Experience: Automotive electronics
• Connected Car ecosystem o middleware (Nuance, Red Bend Software, Parrot)
o diagnostics (OnStar, PLX, Agero/SiriusXM)
o hardware (TomTom, Garmin, Harman, Magellan)
o software (GPS related systems e.g. Navteq, etc.)
• Global automotive OEMs o USA: Ford, GM, Chrysler
o EU: Daimler, VW, Peugeot
o ASIA: Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Hundai
• Global tier one automotive electronics suppliers
o Bosch
o Delphi
o TRW
o Visteon
o Harman
STAGE of Company Experience
• Marshalling cash resources, "doing more with less" in scaling business
• Experience working with founders, investors, and board directors in closely held companies
• Building & scaling brand recognition off of referenceable work
• Emerging/growth phase of company development & rapid revenue growth, $20-50M+
MANAGEMENT & Leadership Experience
• Building scalable management processes without suffocating innovation/speed
• Success as individual contributor and as player/coach
• Remote/virtual team management
• track record hiring A players for A team & "pied piper" for sales talent
GENERAL:
Finally, this individual should have as many as possible of the traits required to succeed in this leadership position:
• High levels of intelligence, analytical strength and conceptual ability.
• The ability, and willingness, to set and communicate demanding standards for professional staff and to hold people accountable for their performance; at the same time, sensitivity to, and insight into individuals’ capabilities and development needs.
• Decisiveness when necessary, coupled with a willingness to seek input and build consensus as much as possible.
• Unquestioned honesty and integrity; also, loyalty to colleagues and to the organization, and the ability to inspire loyalty. This person should have the ability to identify and focus on the Company’s best interests, rather than the agenda of any individual or group within the firm.
• A very high level of energy and commitment, combined with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills; this individual must be able to communicate complex ideas and information clearly and concisely.
• Outstanding planning and organization skills.
• Good strategic instincts and long-term vision; the ability to address both big-picture issues and detailed, day-to- day management concerns.
• In general, the business and personal skills, and the absolute commitment, required to make a major contribution to The Company during the coming years.
• Demonstrate professional behavior and actions consistent with Movimento values.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The diagram below illustrates the intersection of competencies critical in the position:
Team
The Movimento team currently consists of approximately 40, with plans for additional growth. This is comprised of 7 in Europe supporting the Puma product globally, and the balance based in Plymouth, MI. The sales and related team is approximately 6, account management, global territory general managers (Europe, Asia and Mexico/South America), sales operations, and marketing.
Financial Backing
While Movimento Group has been profitable for several years now and continues to grow via retained earnings, Movimento Group was funded by private equity investors Verdane Capital and Industrifonden in 2007 and then again in 2008. Both investors are growth capital private equity investors based in Scandinavia.
Compensation
Compensation is competitive with the position’s requirements. In a performance-based environment, this will include base salary, bonus structure based on corporate qualitative and quantitative business development targets, and a stakeholder position in the company.
More Information
• Software Over-The-Air (SOTA) And Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) Technology
Executive Management Team & Board of Directors
Listed below is a selection of key executives of the Movimento team. See http://www.movimentogroup.com/about-us/ for the complete list and profiles.
BEN HOFFMAN | President & CEO
Ben Hoffman has been President and CEO of Movimento since February 2011. Ben joined the Movimento organization in January, 2005 as founder and President of Movimento North American Operations.
Prior to Movimento, Ben was a Senior Consultant at Inovo Technologies. Inovo Technologies, is an innovation consulting firm. From 2001 to 2003, Ben worked at Accurate Technologies, where he was responsible for Sales & Marketing of high-tech automotive electronics hardware and software systems. In this role, he was responsible for both North American and European Customers. From 1999 – 2001 Ben held the position of Sales Account Manager at Robert Bosch Corporation. In this position he worked in both vehicle calibration and powertrain component and system sales. It was during this time in his career that Ben did a work assignment at Bosch’s Headquarters near Stuttgart Germany. Ben's career began in 1994 at Roush Industries as a Development Engineer. His 5 years of experience at Roush included such positions as: Calibration Engineer and Powertrain Development Engineer where he was responsible for Vehicle Build, Dynamometer Testing, Machine Shop and Engine Build.
Ben graduated from Kettering University in December of 1998 with a BS – Mechanical Engineering. In 2004 he graduated from University of Michigan with a MBA – Corporate Strategy, Marketing.
THOMAS STROIN | Global Chief Financial Officer
Thomas M. Stroin has been the Global Chief Financial Officer of Movimento since March 2011.
Prior to Movimento, Tom held several key executive roles at ABB Inc. with the most recent being 11 years as Vice President and General Manager, responsible for multiple Robotic Automation business units delivering complete tooling and equipment systems for both the automotive and general industry market sectors. From 1997 – 2000 Tom was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. In this position he was responsible for all financial operations and business controlling functions for ABB’s $400M Robotic Automation business.
Tom graduated in 1981 from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick with a BS Business & Economics, Accounting.
MAHBUBUL ALAM | Chief Technology Officer
Mahbubul Alam recently joined Movimento after successfully creating and leading Cisco System’s strategy in IoT and M2M. A 17-year industry veteran, Alam is focused on working with Movimento customers to maximize the potential of secure over-the-air (OTA) updates and enable new connected services for the vehicle. His extensive experience in security, mobility, wireless, product management, ecosystem strategy, and business development will help drive Movimento’s technology roadmap to give customers a competitive advantage.
"Mahbubul’s deep understanding of mobility and security comes at an ideal time given the automotive industry’s increasing reliance on software and concerns with cybersecurity," said Ben Hoffman, Movimento CEO. "His Silicon Valley roots combined with a new Movimento office in California will help merge rapid software innovation with automotive expertise to support today’s new software-focused car paradigm."
Before joining Movimento, Mahbubul Alam grew Cisco’s M2M business from the ground up to $350 M in four years. In addition to pioneering and developing the IoT/M2M vision, strategy, platform, and execution plan, he helped initiate the company’s Smart Connected Car roadmap. Prior to this, he defined, developed, and delivered Cisco’s flagship 4G LTE router, IoT edge-cloud gateway, and next-gen integrated services router (ISR G2), successfully driving customer engagement and sales.
ANDERS GRYTE | General Manager, Europe
Anders Gryte is General Manager for Movimento Europe since January 2012 and is responsible for the European operation and Swedish office.
Prior to Movimento Anders was Marketing Director for CPAC Systems AB. In this role he was responsible for all customer relations, where the main ones were AB Volvo and Yamaha Motors. From 1999 - 2009 Anders had a successful career at Yazaki Europe. His career at Yazaki began as a Sales Engineer and Project Manager responsible for multiple projects for customers AB Volvo and SAAB Automobile. Anders was then promoted to Account Manager with his overall responsibilities being projects, sales and profitability. In 2002 Anders was promoted to Global Account Manager - a role in which he was responsible for global Yazaki business with AB Volvo including Japan, France, US and Sweden. Anders began his career at LMI Selcom AB in the role of Technical Sales where he was responsible for both Asian and Australian Sales.
Anders graduated from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1997 with a Master of Science, Automation Engineering.
DAN PRESIDIO | Director, Engineering
Dan brings over 30 years of software development and electronic control module experience to the Movimento engineering organization. Part of that time (14 years) was spent with Ford Motor Company and Visteon Corporation where Dan helped develop and launch multiple Infotainment, Powertrain and Body Control related modules. Throughout Dan’s career he has focused on putting robust development tools and processes in place which will be a key focus area as Movimento continues to grow its global product and service offering, customer base and engineering organization.
PETER WASSBERG | Chairman
Peter Wassberg joined Movimento Group as Chairman of the Board in 2009. Peter has been a Senior Vice President at Volvo Truck Corporation and a Senior Advisor at Arthur Little. He has more than 18 years of experience in the vehicle industry mainly at Scania CV and Volvo. At Scania, he was R&D Manager and Executive Product Strategy Director for global coordination. As an entrepreneur, he also built a technology based consulting business from zero to 85 people in a three years period. At present, Peter is active in investing and building a number of small and medium enterprises. He holds CEO and/or board chairman positions in these companies.
Peter holds an MSc degree from The Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm (Sweden) and a diploma in Marketing & Business Economics from Stockholm University (Sweden).
ROBERT OSWALD | Board Director
Mr. Oswald retired from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems in January, 2010. He was appointed Chairman in October, 2003, and had served as Chairman and CEO since March, 2002. Bendix, with headquarters in Elyria, Ohio, is a member of the Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse Group, the leading worldwide supplier of pneumatic braking and related safety systems for commercial vehicle and railroad applications.
Prior to the Bendix assignments, Oswald was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Bosch Corporation, the North American subsidiary of the Stuttgart, Germany based Robert Bosch GmbH. Oswald was also a member of the Bosch Board of Management. Mr. Oswald joined the Bosch organization in 1989, and held the Board and North American management positions from July, 1996 until December, 2000.
From 1983 to 1989, Oswald was vice president and general manager – electronics with Cummins, Inc. in Columbus, Indiana. From 1966 to 1983, he held a series of manufacturing and development positions with Ford Motor Company. He is a 1964 graduate of Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, with a bachelor degree in electrical engineering, and earned an MBA from Michigan State University in 1972.
Oswald is a member of the Society of Engineers and was a past General Chairman of the SAE International Congress & Exposition. He was a charter board member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), and served for 20 years on the board of trustees at Kettering University. Oswald is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Paice, LLC (Baltimore, MD), Perceptron, Corporation (Plymouth, MI), Movimento Group AB (Plymouth, MI), and Hoffman Materials, LLC (Carlisle, PA). A native of Rochester, New York, Oswald resides in Bonita Springs, Florida with his wife, Marcy.
GORAN STRANDBERG | Board Director
Göran Strandberg joined Verdane Capital Advisors' Stockholm office after the 2005 portfolio acquisition from Skandia Liv. He has been a senior advisor at Prosper Capital/Skandia Liv, as well as Partner and Executive Director of Novestra AB (Sweden). Göran has some 20 years of experience in the IT industry, working at Nokia and Cisco, among others. At Cisco he was a member of the European executive management team and managing director of Cisco Systems Nordic.
At Verdane, Göran has been active in helping identify new portfolio acquisition opportunities and in building companies such as Tradedoubler, Coding Technologies, Wireless Maingate and C3 Technologies. Göran holds a diploma in Business and Economics from RMI Business School, Stockholm Sweden.
JEFF SEUL | Board Director
Jeff Seul is co-chair of Holland & Knight's Venture Capital and Emerging Companies Team. His practice is focused on corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures, licensing arrangements and other strategic transactions. Jeff represents clients in the IT, cleantech and healthcare sectors. His clients include investors and companies of all sizes, from start-ups to large enterprises.
Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Seul was general counsel of Groove Networks, a software company founded by Ray Ozzie, who created Lotus Notes and succeeded Bill Gates as Microsoft's chief software architect following Microsoft's acquisition of Groove Networks. Mr. Seul taught at Harvard Law School for several years before joining Groove Networks. He practiced with law firms in San Francisco and Boulder from 1988-1995, representing emerging growth companies or their investors, as well as large enterprises, in both regions.
Mr. Seul graduated as class valedictorian from Regis College in Denver, was managing editor of the law review at the University of Colorado School of Law, and was a Landon H. Gammon Fellow and a Climenko−Thayer Fellow at Harvard Law School.
Mr. Seul serves, and has served, as a director of several emerging growth companies, including C3 Technologies, Energy Materials Corporation and Movimento Group. He is a member of the MIT Venture Mentoring Service, a group of experienced entrepreneurs and senior executives who coach the founders of MIT affiliated start-ups.
Mr. Seul serves as chairman of the Peace Appeal Foundation, an internationalNGO that helps catalyze and support conflict resolution processes that contribute to the prevention or cessation of violent political and ethnic conflict.
For more information, please contact:
Clark Waterfall, BSG Team Ventures, at Clark@bsgtv.com
Carolyn Muszynski, BSG Team Ventures, at Carolyn@bsgtv.com
Diane Amador, BSG Team Ventures, at damador@bsgtv.com