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VitalStream Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSTH), the world leader in audio and video streaming, today announced that it has further strengthened its management team with the appointment of Eric L. Mersch, age 38, as chief financial officer. Current CFO Mark Belzowski will remain with the company in a senior capacity.
Mr. Mersch joins VitalStream from Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., where he served most recently as vice president, finance for Harrah's Las Vegas and The Flamingo. During his tenure at the firm, Harrah's revenue doubled from approximately $4 billion to $9 billion, and he was a key manager in the Company's acquisition and subsequent integration of Caesars Entertainment, the largest acquisition in the gaming industry. Before joining Harrah's in March of 2003, Mr. Mersch was CFO of Andre-Boudin Bakeries, Inc. from June 2001 to December 2002 and Senior Associate, Corporate Finance at the technology-focused investment bank Robertson Stephens from March 2000 to March 2001. Mr. Mersch began his career in June of 1990 with the United States Navy, serving over a seven year period as Division Officer of the USS Los Angeles, Special Projects Officer, Chief of Naval Operations at The Pentagon and Lieutenant specializing in submarine operations and intelligence projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the United States Naval Academy, a Masters in Nuclear Power Engineering from the Submarine Officer Nuclear Engineering School and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
Jack Waterman, chairman and chief executive officer of VitalStream, commented, "As VitalStream has continued to grow and develop, we are pleased to be attracting world-class talent to our organization. We are excited to welcome Eric on board, further strengthening our management team following the recent appointments of Michel Maeso as Executive VP of Global Sales and Marketing and Chris Dion as VP of Business Development and International Sales. With a strong financial position and the addition of these high-caliber executives, we are well-positioned to continue to execute on the numerous opportunities in front of us."
"I am thrilled to be joining VitalStream at such an exciting time in the Company's development," said Mr. Mersch. "VitalStream is operating in a captivating, high-growth market, and I look forward to working with management and the board of directors to oversee the Company's financial growth."
