Global Message Services announces the appointment of Iurii Makarenko, current Managing Director, as Executive Chairman of the Board, and Charles Upchurch as Chief Executive Officer as of February 1, 2020.
Iurii Makarenko, Executive Chairman of the Board, said:
“Charles has been adding significant value to the GMS management team for over 2 years, particularly as Deputy Managing Director. The Board of Directors is unanimous that he is the right leader for GMS as we continue our high growth and global expansion. We are delighted to announce his appointment as CEO of GMS which reinforces our team and which allows me as Executive Chairman of the Board to better focus on the strategic initiatives critical to our customers and shareholders.”
– GMS’ Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Iurii Makarenko
Charles is a Swiss who brings to GMS over 25 years of international experience as a CEO in Europe, North America and Asia, primarily in high growth technology companies. He is highly recognized for his leadership and enjoys broad internal support. With significant experience in both organic and inorganic growth as well as customer-focused corporate cultures, Charles understands how to continue and build upon the GMS success story.
About Global Message Services
GMS is an international messaging service provider for mobile operators and enterprises worldwide. Pioneers in A2P, P2P and P2A messaging and monetization and leaders in the CIS market since 2006, GMS has expanded globally with a current reach of 900 mobile operators, more than 240 of them directly connected, all over the world.
Headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, GMS also maintains 5 regional offices worldwide.