Tag: MENA

• Latest edition of Haleon Pain Index finds half (49%) of people in pain feel stigmatised^[1][2]
• 42% regularly feel lonely due to their pain, and one third feel serious loneliness (based on UCLA loneliness scale)^[3]
• 32% of people living in pain fear they will be judged
• Women, people of colour and the LGBQ+ community are worst affected
• Gen Z more likely to feel unheard than Baby Boomers

LONDON, Sept. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new study of 18,097 people across 18 countries has discovered that society has grown less tolerant of people in pain, despite the effects of COVID-19 boosting global health awareness.

The fifth edition of the Haleon Pain Index (HPI)^[1], conducted by consumer health company Haleon, suggests that attitudes towards pain in post-pandemic society are now more judgemental and less tolerant, with half (49%) of those in pain feeling stigmatised and a third (32%) fearing they will be judged about their pain.

The global index has been exploring the real impact pain has on people’s lives for almost a decade. This year’s study has found that, since the first edition in 2014, the social and emotional impact of pain has grown by nearly 25%, with stigma and social isolation arising from everyday pain increasing worldwide. 42% of people questioned said they regularly experience loneliness when in pain. Feelings of serious loneliness emerged globally, with 38% of people in mainland China, 33% in Australia and 32% in the UK reporting this. This coincides with warnings about the public health impacts of loneliness and social isolation issued by the World Health Organisation^[4] and the Loneliness Epidemic^[5] pointed out in spring 2023.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, Psychologist and Author, commented: “Everyday pain is a health issue that can easily be dismissed or trivialised. Many don’t realise its effects can be much worse than the symptoms themselves. The result of loneliness and mental health impact caused by lack of empathy and being treated differently is only worsening. As a society, we need to improve empathy and understanding in a world that is continuing to harden to these issues.”

The HPI discovered that people who already experience bias, discrimination, and exclusion in society are the worst affected by these hardening views on pain.

• 58% of women said their pain had been treated differently, not believed or discriminated versus 49% of men. This is highest amongst women in India (74%), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (74%), Brazil (74%), and mainland China (61%).
• 59% of people of colour said their pain had been treated differently, not believed or discriminated versus 48% of white people. This is highest in Brazil (71%), Poland (64%) and the USA (64%), whilst this is true for 60% in the UK.
• 44% of LGBQ+ people feared that others will make assumptions about them and their pain, compared to 32% of heterosexuals. This is highest in India (61%), USA (54%), Canada (49%) and Australia (48%).

The study also revealed a sharp generational divide in the way people experience pain, suggesting that younger patients struggle most with making their pain known and accessing treatment:

• 70% of Gen Z said their pain had been treated differently, not believed or discriminated, compared to 40% of Baby Boomers. This is highest in India (80%), the USA (79%) and for 74% of UK respondents.
• 45% of Gen Z said being in pain was too much of a taboo for them to speak out, compared to 35% of Boomers.

While the older generation find it easier to express their pain and access treatment, they are the most marginalised when it comes to accessing health-related information online. 45% of 75–84-year-olds said they struggle to access this online because they do not feel confident navigating the internet, compared with 33% overall.

Respondents agreed on the need for a more personalised and compassionate view of pain. More than two thirds (68%) of people said more empathy to address bias and exclusion would make a real difference to their experience of pain. Meanwhile, 69% said they wished doctors and 62% wished pharmacists were better trained on how individual pain is for different patients.

Lisa Jennings, Head of Global Over the Counter Category at Haleon, said: “While pain is a universal human experience, resulting in loneliness and stigma for many, its impact varies considerably between social groups, with the most marginalised amongst the worst affected. Our ambition is to break down the barriers to achieving better everyday health for everyone – irrespective of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and other factors. The HPI shows that we can lessen the social and emotional impact of pain by shifting perceptions and conversations around pain management. That’s why we’re taking action through several programs such as our #ListenToPain initiative which is being rolled out to health professionals across the globe.”

Haleon’s #ListenToPain programme supports health professionals to improve communication with patients and have a focused discussion on pain tailored to the individual. #ListentoPain includes five profiles that describe people with different attitudes and behaviours towards pain management that help health professionals customize their approach with their patients. With continuity of care, truly understanding how pain may change over time means pain management strategies can be evolved and be more effective in the long term.

Media Contacts

For more information on the HPI, or interview requests please contact:

Nina.bass@edelman.com

Amy.barker@edelman.com

For information on Haleon please contact:

gemma.x.thomas@haleon.com

Notes to Editors

About the Haleon Pain Index study

The Haleon Pain Index (HPI) is a proprietary, globally representative, longitudinal social study conducted by Edelman Data x Intelligence (DXI). The study is designed to give a voice to those experiencing pain and assess the evolving state of pain. The study captures the perceived impact of pain on individuals’ everyday lives, their health, their feelings, emotions, motivations and behaviours, putting the human experience at the centre. In its fifth edition, the study assesses health inclusivity barriers to effective pain treatment. The perceptions of over 18,000 respondents across 18 countries were captured as part of the fifth edition.

Markets tracked in HPI 5: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, KSA, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA.

The age groups are split into different generations:

• Gen Z: those between 18-26 years old
• Millennials: those between 27-42 years old
• Gen X: those between 43-58 years old
• Boomers 1*: those between 59-66 years old
• Boomers 2*: those between 67-77 years old
• Silent: those between 78-84 years old

1*For the first time, the Haleon Pain Index (HPI) is now capturing the voice of experts, GPs, Pharmacists, and Nurses, in 4 key markets: Australia, Germany, KSA and the USA. In this first edition, we’ve gathered insights from over 600 experts (150 per market*) through a 15-minute online bespoke survey, exploring their views on pain, their challenges as healthcare professionals and the role they can play in driving positive change.

2*In the USA, our interviews included a mix of physicians and nurses; in Australia and KSA, a mix of physicians and pharmacists, and in Germany, a combination of pharmacists and pharmacists’ assistants.

About Listen To Pain

#ListenToPain is a global initiative from Haleon to enable health professionals to maximise their time with patients and help them to better understand a patient’s pain experience — providing the sufferer with a treatment plan that is right for them. Located on Haleon Health Partner, a dedicated digital platform for health professionals, #ListenToPain includes a series of practical tools for better interactions, assessments, and outcomes. These tools and resources for pharmacists will help them understand their patients pain better and navigate conversations around pain management.

Further information and the full range of #ListentoPain resources can we found on www.haleonhealthpartner.com.

About Haleon
Haleon (LSE / NYSE: HLN) is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon’s product portfolio spans five major categories – Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and Other, and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS). Its long-standing brands – such as Advil, Sensodyne, Panadol, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, Polident, parodontax and Centrum – are built on trusted science, innovation and deep human understanding.
For more information, please visit www.haleon.com.

¹ Haleon. Pain Index. 2023. Data on file.
² The Haleon Pain Index is formerly known as the Global Pain Index.
³ Russell, D, et al.,1978. Developing a measure of loneliness. Journal of Personality Assessment, 42, 290-294. Available: https://fetzer.org/sites/default/files/images/stories/pdf/selfmeasures/Self_Measures_for_Loneliness_and_Interpersonal_Problems_UCLA_LONELINESS.pdf. [2023, September 18].
⁴ World Health Organization (WHO). N.d. Social Isolation and Loneliness. Available: https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness [2023, September 18].
⁵ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Health Risks of Social Isolation and Loneliness. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/loneliness.htm#:~:text=Social%20isolation%20and%20loneliness%20have,linked%20to%20increased%20risk%20for%3A&text=Heart%20disease%20and%20stroke.,Type%202%20diabetes. [2023, September 18].

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8929418

DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The use of AI in aviation goes beyond customer support chatbots and price comparison tools for travelers. While these applications will definitely stay and become ubiquitous, the real disruption will come from optimizing the “hard” areas of aviation – from revenue management to evaluating the likelihood of a strike. Chairman of Avia Solutions Group Gediminas Ziemelis shares his predictions regarding the areas where AI in aviation will make a massive difference.

1. Unlocking true dynamic pricing. In the airline business, revenue management has never been an easy game, but the stakes are even higher in the post-COVID world. According to IATA, the average profit margin per passenger today is truly razor-thin – just $2.25, compared to double-digit numbers in 2019. AI can help improve the tough task of analyzing historical data and calculating the right price, taking into account the client’s location and a myriad of other factors. While larger airlines will probably opt for building their own solutions in-house, there’s already a growing number of carriers partnering with the likes of AirGain – an AI-driven predictive solution with a data lake covering 6 billion price points.
2. Maintaining engine health. Predictive maintenance has been an integral part of MRO for quite some time now, with sensors helping airlines determine when and what needs to be fixed or replaced. Artificial Intelligence can use both real-time sensor data and predictive historical fault patterns to reduce downtime and overall costs of maintenance. A recent study conducted by the University of Maryland’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) found that predictive maintenance can reduce aircraft operational costs by up to 20%. AI is already disrupting this field. For instance, Lufthansa Technik has leveled up aircraft upkeep with its AI-driven predictive maintenance systems. Their Condition Analytics solution employs machine learning algorithms to analyze sensor data from various aircraft components, predicting maintenance needs with remarkable precision. The creation of so-called “digital twins” – perfect virtual replicas that change their parameters according to the physical component’s wear – MRO technicians use digital twins for predictive maintenance and to detect anomalies by comparing real-world sensor data to the data generated by digital twins.
3. Planning the most efficient route. According to IATA, airlines will spend $215 billion this year, accounting for around 28% of operating expenses, which can be reduced with more efficient route planning. Numerous variables (including air traffic congestion, quickly changing weather patterns, and fluctuating fuel costs) make route planning a complex and demanding task, which can either improve or damage a carrier’s bottom line, depending on how efficiently it is performed. AI-enabled platforms can accelerate decision-making for operators, helping them harness not just the power of historical data but also of predictive mechanisms that, together, generate an actionable and clear picture. One example of such a platform is Flyways, which uses scheduled and active flight data to map out flight routes that go through less-congested areas and bypass areas with adverse weather conditions. The solution has already been tested out by Alaska Airlines, saving the company 480,000 gallons of fuel and resulting in 4,600 fewer tons in carbon emissions over a six-month period. The results of such AI-operator collaboration are reflected not only in cost savings but also in helping businesses become more sustainable. Once such solutions become commonplace not just among airlines but also flight authorities around the world, we will look back at today and be surprised at how inefficient all of us were when planning routes.
4. Predicting strikes. While strikes in aviation usually make headlines because of the disruption they have on travelers’ plans (especially around major holidays), the fact that airlines can lose tens if not hundreds of millions per strike is often overlooked. In 2022, for instance, SAS lost $145 million over a 15-day pilot strike. As AI can analyze not just technical but also sociological data, a model could be designed to help airlines predict a potential strike and be better prepared for potential negotiations. Models like this that can predict the probability of individual employees leaving their jobs have already been developed by IBM, producing 95% accuracy.
5. Improving workflows in-flight. An AI can serve as a helper not just to the staff on the ground but also to the cabin crew. It is not just about making routine tasks easier – a properly trained tool can offer expert advice on managing the aircraft and making quick, informed decisions, especially when the pressure is on and quick decisions are vital. The wheels are already in motion to bring this vision to life, with Level 1 AI applications nearing certification, thanks to EASA’s Trustworthiness of Machine Learning based Systems guidelines established in April 2022.
6. Helping pilots and crew maintain their mental health. Could an AI model have prevented the suicide-by-pilot disaster of Germanwings Flight 9525 that led to the death of 150 people? While this is an area of much speculation, specially designed regular staff screenings can help predict the likelihood of mental issues exacerbated by exposure to stressful events, such as circadian rhythm disruptions, instances of turbulence, and onboard emergencies. Another promising application, which is already being tested by the UK startup Blueskeye AI, is the use of facial sensing technology to identify fatigue in pilots. Today, fatigue is calculated based on the number of hours a pilot has flown, but in the future, this metric will be highly individualized.
7. Predicting the probability of Airworthiness Directives. An Airworthiness Directive (AD) for either a part of the frame or the engine can ground a sizeable share of an airline’s fleet, especially one that is not diversified across different models. Knowing the likelihood of such a risk can massively help at different stages of fleet management – from fleet formation to maintenance. Much like AI-driven risk management software in banks and financial institutions, a similar solution could be deployed to calculate and mitigate AD risks.
8. Improving in-house quality management processes. While no malfunction will ever rival the $20 billion bill that Boeing had to foot because of the crashes and subsequent grounding of the 737 MAX, a QA issue can still bankrupt a company. While quality assurance standards in aviation are already higher than in any other industry due to strict regulation of everything related to safety and security, AI can boost in-house quality assurance protocols within the realms of aviation manufacturing and airline management. At the manufacturing stage, a sophisticated computer vision system enhanced by manual checks can better pinpoint flaws in components. For airlines, an AI-enhanced Safety Management System (SMS) can take into account vast amounts of data from various sources, including performance, weather partners and maintenance information.
9. Finding the best logistics solution for AOG situations. While every aircraft on ground (AOG) situation is unique, it can cost the airline anything from $10,000 to $150,000, not to mention reputational damage. Figuring out the puzzle of both finding the spare part needed and delivering it in hours, and not days, can be tricky, especially if the AOG situation happens far away from major hubs. An AI solution could help the company quickly locate and ship the part to the aircraft. At the same time, a predictive maintenance solution can help prepare for potential AOG events and make sure that there are always enough critical parts in stock.
10. Determining insurance pricing. In the post-9/11 world, aviation insurance buyers globally are still encountering escalating prices and diminished availability when it comes to war risk coverage. An AI model can help airlines calculate the risks they are facing more precisely, helping them to understand their “war risk” exposure when they are making insurance-related decisions.

About Gediminas Ziemelis

Gediminas Ziemelis (born April 4, 1977) is an accomplished Lithuanian entrepreneur, business consultant, and the founder and current Chairman of the Board of Avia Solutions Group, the largest global ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 196 aircraft. He was selected twice among the top 40 most talented young industry leaders by Aviation Week & Space Technology.

Gediminas is known for his cosmopolitan mindset and exceptional management skills, which have contributed to his success in various business fields. Over his 26-year-long career, Gediminas has founded more than 100 start-ups, 50% of which are still in operation, led companies through 4 successful IPO/SPO processes, and raised over 800 million euros in global public capital and bond markets.

In December 2022, Gediminas Ziemelis was listed as the richest Lithuanian by TOP Magazine, with estimated assets worth 1.68 billion euros.

Gediminas is the largest donator of Rimantas Kaukenas Support Group, a charity and support fund, that provides help to children with oncological diseases and their families. He is also the biggest shareholder in the leading basketball club Wolves.

Media contact: 
Silvija Jakiene 
Chief Communications Officer 
Avia Solutions Group 
silvija.jakiene@aviasg.com 
+370 671 22697

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000841364

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, and Chairman of Soudah Development has launched the masterplan to develop Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa into Soudah Peaks – a luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level on Saudi Arabia’s highest peak. Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region (southwest Saudi Arabia), the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s efforts to diversify the economy by expanding vital industries such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, and supporting Aseer development strategy.

HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman of Soudah Development’s Board of Directors, stated that Soudah Peaks represents a new era of luxury mountain tourism by providing an unprecedented living experience while preserving the natural environment, cultural, and heritage richness. It is strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and entertainment, supporting economic growth, attracting investments, contributing more than SAR 29 billion to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP, and creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.

HRH said, “The masterplan reaffirms our commitment to global efforts in preserving the environment and natural resources for future generations and aims to contribute to diversifying national income sources and building a strong economy that attracts local and global investments.”

HRH added, “Soudah Peaks will be a significant addition to the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia and place the Kingdom on the global tourism map, whilst highlighting and celebrating the country’s rich culture and heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Soudah Peaks, explore its rich culture and heritage, and experience the authentic hospitality of the local community. Soudah Peaks will offer unforgettable experiences amidst lush greenery, above the clouds.”

Soudah Peaks aims to offer high-end luxurious hospitality services to over two million visitors throughout the year by 2033. The masterplan is being designed to reflect the local traditional, and architectural styles, and will promote both the cultural and landscape heritage of the region. The destination will be home to 6 unique development zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock. Each will offer a range of world-class facilities including hotels, luxury mountain resorts, residential chalets, villas, premium mansion sites, entertainment and commercial attractions, as well as outdoor attractions dedicated to sports, adventure, wellness and culture.

Soudah Development will deliver 2,700 hospitality keys, 1,336 residential units, and 80,000 square meters of commercial space for Soudah Peaks by 2033. The masterplan will be developed over three phases, with 940 hotel keys, 391 residential units, and 32,000 square meters of retail space expected to be completed in 2027, within Phase one.

Soudah Peaks is set across more than 627 square kilometers of awe-inspiring nature, with less than 1% of the land being acquired for building, reflecting Soudah Development’s commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, following best-in-class sustainability standards, and contributing to the efforts of the Saudi Green Initiative.

As a closed joint-stock company owned by PIF, Soudah Development aims to develop a unique luxury mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia, whilst preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of the project area spread across Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.

About Soudah Development
Soudah Development is a closed joint-stock company fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. It has been established to drive the development of a luxury mountain tourism destination, covering Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa, in the Aseer region in southwest Saudi Arabia. It aims to preserve the natural landscape and respect the rich cultural heritage of the region, whilst attracting 2 million visitors every year by 2033. Soudah Development was announced by HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, and Chairman of PIF, on February 24, 2021.

For more information, visit the links below:
Website: www.soudah.sa & www.soudahpeaks.com
Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook: @Soudahpeaks
Or by email: press@soudah.sa

Source: NewsBeatWire

Contacts:

Mohammed A. Alshehri

Press@soudah.sa

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below:

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000841357

Datacubed Health and AppInChina Forge Strategic Partnership to Launch eClinical Platform in China

New York, New York, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Datacubed Health, a leading global provider of innovative solutions for patient engagement and data collection in clinical trials, is excited to announce the official launch of its eClinical platform app in China. This milestone achievement represents a significant step forward for Datacubed Health’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese market.

As part of this strategic move, Datacubed Health has joined forces with AppInChina, a renowned leader in Android App Store publication, ensuring seamless deployment of the eClinical platform app in official Android stores across China and the Apple App Store. This partnership guarantees accessibility to a wide range of devices and ecosystems.

Kyle Hogan, President of Datacubed Health, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Our partnership with AppInChina has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth launch of our eClinical platform app in China. This strategic alliance allows us to reach a broader audience while maintaining compliance with local regulations, which is essential for our growth in this market.”

In preparation for this momentous launch, Datacubed Health has established a legal entity within China and acquired all necessary commercial and legal licenses and certificates. These crucial steps are a testament to Datacubed Health’s commitment to providing secure and regulated services within the Chinese market.

Brett Kleger, CEO of Datacubed Health, stated, “Our investment in establishing a legal presence and obtaining the requisite licenses underscores our dedication to operating ethically and responsibly in China. We are focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions while adhering to local regulations and standards.”

Moreover, Datacubed Health has undertaken comprehensive efforts to ensure full software compliance with Chinese regulations. The eClinical platform app for China has been meticulously customized to align with local requirements and has undergone rigorous testing by local quality assurance teams. This meticulous approach ensures the seamless functioning of the platform while adhering to Chinese network security requirements and restrictions.

Datacubed Health has also bolstered its presence in China by establishing a fully compliant and fault-tolerant Software as a Service (SaaS) infrastructure. The Datacubed China solution is now hosted in AWS Beijing, ensuring data security and reliability for users in the region.

With these key developments in operational, legal, and software compliance, Datacubed Health is well-prepared to provide unmatched support to clinical research efforts in China. The launch of the eClinical platform app represents a significant stride in bridging the gap between global research initiatives and the Chinese healthcare landscape.

In the words of CEO Brett Kleger: “We are thrilled to introduce Datacubed Health’s eClinical platform app to the Chinese market. Our partnership with AppInChina, legal entity establishment, and rigorous compliance efforts demonstrate our dedication to providing world-class services to our Chinese users. We look forward to empowering clinical research initiatives in China with our cutting-edge solutions.”

To learn more, we invite you to join us at Booth #24 at the 11th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Southern California 2023 from September 26-27 in San Diego, California, or visit our website at www.datacubed.com.

About Datacubed Health:

Datacubed Health is a pioneering eClinical technology company built from the ground up by industry veterans who wanted to create a better clinical trial experience for all stakeholders. Our solutions are all infused with neuroeconomic principles designed to be inclusive, drive compliance, and greatly improve retention. We strive to deliver the best experience for you and your patients through ease of use and flexible technology configurable to your needs. Our offerings include a Decentralized Trials Platform, eCOA/ePRO, Patient Engagement, eConsent, Medication Adherence, Televisits, and Geofencing. Learn more at www.datacubed.com.

Media Contact:
Heather Shea
Catalytic Agency for Datacubed Health
heather.shea@catalyticagency.com

Jillian Tygh
Datacubed Health
2672543997
jillian.tygh@datacubed.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8926943

Futoshi Saito Joins as President & General Manager, Japan

BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, the leading global innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, today announced changes to its executive leadership team in Japan as the company continues its strong growth trajectory in the country. Futoshi Saito will join Anaqua Japan, effective October 10, 2023, as President & General Manager, responsible for driving Anaqua’s ongoing business development and delivering enhanced client solutions in Japan.

Saito-san has previously held leadership positions at LexisNexis as Managing Director, Japan and South Korea, and Thomson Reuters (now part of Clarivate) as head of the IP & Science business in Japan. Saito-san holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Dokkyo University and studied at the Graduate School of History at the State University of New York at Albany.

Anaqua also announced the opening of its new Japan headquarters in the TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower, providing an expanded work space to support the company’s accelerated growth, which has seen further strengthening of the team and a 50% increase in new sales YTD . The move continues Anaqua Japan’s mission to invest in people, infrastructure and solutions in order to provide clients with the most comprehensive and effective IP management software and solutions in Japan. Other recent Anaqua investments in Japan include opening a second client datacenter on Microsoft Azure, hiring additional team members for the growing annuities and renewals business, and developing Japan-specific enhancements to the AQX IP management platform, both for the pharmaceutical market and trademark professionals.

“I am excited to join Anaqua, a company I have admired for many years over the course of my career in IP and legal technology,” said Saito. “I am honored to lead Anaqua Japan through its next stage of growth and to help our clients better protect and maximize value from their IP portfolios.”

Anaqua CEO Bob Romeo said: “We are delighted to have appointed Saito-san to lead Anaqua’s business in Japan. His extensive IP and technology experience will enable him to engage quickly with our business and the wider market, forming important relationships with our existing and future clients, and providing strong leadership for our team and our further business development. I am very proud of our operations in Japan and I am excited for what is yet to come.”

About Anaqua

Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services for corporations and law firms. Its IP management software solutions, AQX and PATTSY WAVE, both offer best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations, tailored to each segment’s need. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on LinkedIn.

Company Contact: Kyoko Tsurumi Associate Director, Marketing and Communications Anaqua ktsurumi@Anaqua.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8927986

NEWARK, Calif., Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Concentrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CNXC), a leading global provider of customer experience (CX) services and technologies, today announced it has closed its combination with Webhelp and the integration of the two companies is underway. While the combined company finalizes its permanent name, it will operate under the trade name Concentrix + Webhelp.

This combination further positions Concentrix + Webhelp as a global CX leader, with an expanded breadth of generative AI solutions, digital capabilities, and high-value services. It also strengthens its end-to-end CX value proposition, with one of the most robust, well-balanced global footprints in the industry to help the world’s best brands transform customer experiences and achieve their business goals.

“I am excited to embark on this new journey together and believe that, with our combined strengths, we are uniquely positioned to redefine the industry and design, build and run the future of CX for our amazing and valued clients. I want to thank our game-changers around the world who have made this possible. I am truly honored to work with such a diverse and talented team,” said Chris Caldwell, CEO of Concentrix + Webhelp.

The company also welcomes two new members to the Board of Directors, Olivier Duha and Nicolas Gheysens. Olivier is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, co-founder, and former CEO of Webhelp and will serve as Vice Chair of the Board. Nicolas is a Partner at Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (“GBL”), the company’s largest shareholder following the Concentrix + Webhelp combination, and brings with him a wealth of investment and board experience, backing the growth of large and successful businesses across Europe.

“We are fortunate to add such strong skill sets with deep background in the customer experience industry to our Board. With the addition of Olivier and Nicolas, we expand our international expertise in leading large, complex multinational companies on a successful path for growth,” said Kathryn Marinello, Concentrix Chair of the Board.

This combination is a milestone moment, bringing together two recognized market leaders with complementary cultures, footprint, capabilities, and vision for growth across more than 70 countries. At closing, the transaction was valued at approximately $4 billion, including net debt.

About Concentrix + Webhelp
Hi, we’re a leading global provider of customer experience (CX) solutions and technology. We create game-changing customer journeys for some of the world’s best brands, and the ones that are changing the world as we know it. Every day, we Design, Build and Run CX that helps brands grow across the world and into the future. Whether it’s a specific solution or the whole end-to-end journey — we’ve got it covered. We’re the strategic thinkers who design brand-defining experiences. The tech geeks who build smarter solutions. And the operational experts who run it all and make it work seamlessly. Across 70+ countries and six continents, we provide services across key industry verticals including technology & consumer electronics; retail, travel & ecommerce; banking, financial services & insurance; healthcare; communications & media; automotive; and energy & public sector. Concentrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CNXC) operating under the trade name Concentrix + Webhelp. Location: virtually everywhere. Visit concentrix.com to learn more.

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This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the integration of the Concentrix and the Webhelp businesses, the strengths and differentiation of the combined businesses, our positioning in the industry, and statements that include words such as believe, expect, may, will, provide, could and should and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things: risks related to the ability to successfully integrate the Concentrix and Webhelp businesses; our ability to realize estimated cost savings, synergies or other anticipated benefits of the combination, or that such benefits may take longer to realize than expected; diversion of management’s attention; the potential impact of the combination on relationships with clients and other third parties; risks related to general economic conditions, including consumer demand, interest rates, inflation, supply chains and the effects of the conflict in Ukraine; cyberattacks on our or our clients’ networks and information technology systems; the failure of our staff and contractors to adhere to our and our clients’ controls and processes; the inability to protect personal and proprietary information; the inability to execute on our digital CX strategy; the loss of key personnel or the inability to attract and retain staff with the skills and expertise needed for our business; increases in the cost of labor; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other communicable diseases, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions or public health crises; geopolitical, economic and climate- or weather-related risks in regions with a significant concentration of the our operations; the inability to successfully identify, complete and integrate strategic acquisitions or investments; competitive conditions in our industry and consolidation of our competitors; higher than expected tax liabilities; the demand for CX solutions and technology; variability in demand by our clients or the early termination of our client contracts; the level of business activity of our clients and the market acceptance and performance of their products and services; currency exchange rate fluctuations; the operability of our communication services and information technology systems and networks; changes in law, regulations or regulatory guidance; damage to our reputation through the actions or inactions of third parties; investigative or legal actions; and other factors contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and subsequent SEC filings. We do not undertake a duty to update forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

Copyright 2023 Concentrix Corporation
All rights reserved. Concentrix, Webhelp, Concentrix + Webhelp, the Concentrix and Webhelp logos, and all other Concentrix company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Concentrix Corporation and its subsidiaries. Concentrix and the Concentrix logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. and applicable non-U.S. jurisdictions. Other names and marks are the property of their respective owners.

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Investor Contact:
David Stein
Investor Relations
Concentrix Corporation
+1-513-703-9306
david.stein@concentrix.com

Media Contact:
Debbie Gonzalez
Marketing & Communications
Concentrix Corporation
media@concentrix.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8927595

Former president of BlackRock, former CEO of NHSX, and former Director of GCHQ bring wealth of industry experience from finance, healthcare, and national security

LONDON, Sept. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quantexa, the global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions for the private and public sectors, announced today that it has appointed three industry luminaries to its Advisory Board. These hires include Ralph Schlosstein, former CEO of Evercore and former President of BlackRock, Matthew Gould, former CEO of NHSX, and Sir Jeremy Fleming, Former Director of GCHQ. These distinguished leaders bring a wealth of expertise in finance, healthcare, and national security to Quantexa.

The expansion of Quantexa’s Advisory Board comes at a pivotal time for the organization, following the completion of a $129 million Series E funding round, led by GIC, where Quantexa joined an elite group of UK tech companies reaching breakout unicorn status. It was also announced this year that Quantexa will invest over $155M in the global AI industry over the next three years to help clients advance the use of AI to protect, optimize, and grow their organizations. By 2027, Quantexa’s total global investment in AI will reach more than $250M.

Ralph Schlosstein, former CEO of Evercore and former President of BlackRock, brings decades of experience in investment banking to Quantexa’s Advisory Board. His distinguished career includes playing a strategic role in helping the world’s largest asset management firm go public. Ralph’s financial acumen will play a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategy initiatives.

Matthew Gould, former CEO of NHSX, joins Quantexa’s Advisory Board, after serving as the British ambassador to Israel between 2010 and 2015, where Gould helped to launch the UK-Israel Technologies Hub – an initiative run in Tel Aviv to forge technology partnerships between UK and Israeli companies. More recently, Matthew leveraged his extensive background in healthcare to play a pivotal role in advising NHS on initiatives throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. At NHSX, Gould has been responsible for harnessing the power of data and technology to improve healthcare delivery. Matthew’s deep expertise will help Quantexa identify the economies and industries for strategic focus and make decisions on commercial strategy.

Sir Jeremy Fleming, Former Director of GCHQ, and former Deputy Head of MI5, joins the Advisory Board with more than 30 years of experience in intelligence and technology. His extensive background includes developing the National Cyber Security Centre, where he strived to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online. With a passion for making technology use in government more transparent, Sir Fleming will enhance Quantexa’s capabilities in addressing emerging threats and opportunities.

“We are pleased to welcome Ralph Schlosstein, Matthew Gould, and Sir Jeremy Fleming to our Advisory Board,” said Vishal Marria, CEO of Quantexa. “Their collective expertise in finance, healthcare, and national security will be invaluable as we continue to develop cutting-edge decision intelligence solutions that address the evolving needs of the market.”

“Quantexa’s AI-enabled technology allows its customers to protect, optimize, and grow their organizations with efficiency and transparency,” said Ralph Schlosstein, former CEO of Evercore and former President of BlackRock. “I believe Quantexa is well-positioned to capture the opportunities ahead and increase its share of the emerging Decision Intelligence category. I am looking forward to supporting the executive team as they work to accelerate their organic and inorganic growth strategy.”

“It’s an exciting time for me to be joining Quantexa’s Advisory Board, at this critical stage of growth for the company,” said Matthew Gould. “Quantexa’s innovative approach to helping customers in the private and public sectors make data their most valuable utility is revolutionizing decision making across multiple industries. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Quantexa to connect data and drive better outcomes for organizations.”

Sir Jeremy Fleming, Former Director of GCHQ commented “I’m thrilled to be part of a company at the forefront of AI innovation. I look forward to combining my experience with Quantexa’s impressive capabilities, which will continue to shape how their customers use data to protect businesses and citizens.”

With the help of its Advisory Board, Quantexa remains dedicated to empowering organizations to make trusted operational decisions through innovative Decision Intelligence solutions. For more on Quantexa’s Leadership team, visit here.

About Quantexa

Quantexa is a global data and analytics software company pioneering Decision Intelligence that empowers organizations to make trusted operational decisions by making data meaningful. Using the latest advancements in big data and AI, Quantexa’s Decision Intelligence platform uncovers hidden risk and new opportunities by providing a contextual, connected view of internal and external data in a single place. It solves major challenges across data management, KYC, customer intelligence, financial crime, risk, fraud, and security, throughout the customer lifecycle.

The Quantexa Decision Intelligence Platform enhances operational performance with over 90% more accuracy and 60 times faster analytical model resolution than traditional approaches. Founded in 2016, Quantexa now has more than 650 employees and thousands of users working with billions of transactions and data points across the world. The company has offices in London, Dublin, New York, Boston, Washington DC, Toronto, UAE, Malaga, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels, Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Inquiries:
C: Stephanie Crisp, Associate Director and Media Strategist, Fight or Flight
E: Quantexa@fightflight.co.uk

C: Adam Jaffe, SVP of Corporate Marketing
T: +1 609 502 6889
E: adamjaffe@quantexa.com  

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000840648