Management Profiles

Michael Wright, Chief Executive Officer

Michael founded Striata in March 1999 with a view to build a global software business.

Michael is a pioneer of the internet industry. He speaks regularly on the use of email as a business tool and customer communication method. Michael has received numerous awards over the last 12 years in email marketing, including "Direct Marketer of the Year" by the DMA and was a finalist in the "IT Personality of the Year" awards.

Before the formation of Striata, Michael was the managing director of VWV Interactive. Michael began his working career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he became a principal manager in the Consulting & Assurance Services (CAS) and was responsible for both Internet Strategy & Services and Business Information Services.

Michael is a Chartered Accountant. He served on the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (SAICA) information technology steering committee. He is a founding member and past Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Internet Standards (ABIS).

Michael is also the founder and executive chairman of the South African Chapter of First Tuesday, the "Global Thought Leadership Network".

Michael is now one of the world's foremost experts on eBilling adoption tools and techniques. He routinely consults and speaks on driving paperless processes in large organisations.

Nic Ramage - Chief Technical Officer

Nic Ramage, as the Chief Technology Officer for Striata, is responsible for Striata's technical excellence, including the development approach, principles and output of the research and development team. Nic joined Striata from VWV Interactive where he held the position of Lead Software Architect and Developer on large Internet projects. His specialty is the designing and building of robust object-oriented server based messaging software.

Nic's professional certifications and licenses include Electrical Engineer (BSc Electrical Engineering, WITS) and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com Financial Management, RAU).

Jacqui Michelson- Chief Financial Officer

Jacqui Michelson joined the Striata team in 2001. She brought 10 years accounting experience with her, and previously specialised in financial accounting and tax. She came from an American based gas company, Air Products, where she was the Commercial and Financial Accountant.

As the global CFO, she runs a skilled team of accountants and is responsible for all the financial and fiscal management aspects of the company.

Her professional certifications and licenses include an Honours Degree in Finance and Tax from UNISA.

Alison Treadaway - Managing Director, Africa

Alison Treadaway is the Managing Director of Striata's African operations based in South Africa (SA). Alison has 12 years experience in Internet-related positions, including Group Marketing Executive at one of the first Internet Service Providers in South Africa and various positions within global IT services and solutions provider, Dimension Data.

Alison was a columnist for The Star newspaper and online news portal ITWeb for many years, writing about developments in the Web and electronic communication environments.

Her professional certifications and licenses include a Bachelor of Arts (English, German, WITS) and a Post-graduate Diploma in Business Administration (WITS Business School).

Garin Toren, Chief Operating Officer, America

Garin Toren brings more than 10 years of internet, eCommerce, digital marketing and email experience to Striata. Garin runs the New York Regional Head Quarters and heads up the USA, Canadian, Central & South American Striata operations.

Prior to Striata, Garin was eBusiness General Manager at Makro, responsible for the group's Contact Center, Internet Portals and Email strategies. Within just 2 years, Garin's division at Makro launched 6 Contact Centers, 3 Internet portals and delivered many millions of consumer facing emails and mobile messages.

Garin has Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Pace University in NY, as well as the Nexus Post Graduate Program from the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). Garin is also a certified SAP Functional Consultant specializing in SAP CRM & CIC.

Linda Misauer, Head of Global Solutions

Linda Misauer is the Head of Global Solutions at Striata and is responsible for technical Research and Development, Operations and Project Management for global initiatives.

Linda previously led the Product Management of the Striata Application Platform before moving across to Striata North America as CTO. As Product Manager, her responsibilities included internal project management of the product development team, market research & product feature design, as well as the product lifecycle management and quality control. As CTO, Linda was responsible for all technical operations for North, Central and South America, including the Project Management, Support, Production and Data Engineering.

Linda has nearly ten years of experience in the IT industry, ranging from video streaming solutions and website application development to electronic billing and messaging. Prior to joining Striata in 2002, Linda held the positions of Chief Information Officer at AfriCam, and was IT project manager at Dimension Data.

Linda studied at the University of Natal - Pietermaritzburg and holds a degree in BSc, Majoring in Computer Science and Economics. Linda also has a Diploma in Project Management.

Mia Papanicolaou, General Manager, Striata, America

As General Manager at Striata, Mia is responsible for client strategy and operations, overseeing efforts to grow the business and expand the market share in the USA. Mia ensures that all solutions implemented meet best fit criteria for each client and deliver optimal user experience for their customers. Mia is a regular blogger on the subject of email communication, uses social media to extend her influence and share her vast experience on the subject of email and has built a reputation as a thought leader.

Prior to moving to the US, Mia headed up Operations in Striata's UK office - responsible for client business process strategy, design and implementation. Mia was actively involved in researching new trends and products in the industry, as well as advising customers on best practice. Before her role as Head of Operations, Mia was Head of Email Marketing in South Africa, consulting on eMarketing strategy to some of the largest organisations in SA. With more than ten years experience in digital marketing, Mia's extensive knowledge in this field has assisted companies to expand their digital offerings to the increasingly online and digitally-educated consumer and business audiences.

Mia initially became entrenched in the world of eMarketing as the Business Director of eMessageX.com. The company was bought by Striata in 2006.

Alex Papadopulos, Director of Operations, America

Alex Papadopulos is the Director of Operations for Striata America and currently heads up all technical operations for North, Central and South America. He is responsible for all areas of technical and project operations including project management, support, development and project implementation.

Alex began his career with Striata in 2003 as a programmer and has worked extensively within the various operations teams in South Africa before moving to North America as the Technical Team Lead. Prior to moving to the United States, Alex was responsible for managing a team of developers and engineers in his role as Technical Project manager where he managed clients requirements as well as developing a number of proofs of concept and also completed 18 months in a Systems Analyst position at Clover. Alex has over 10 years of experience in the IT field, primarily focused on electronic billing presentment, billing and supply chain management.

Alex completed his Bachelor of Information Technology in 2001 through Bond University (Australia) at Sandton, South Africa majoring in programming.

Keith Russell, Sales Director, Asia Pacific

Keith Russell is the Sales Director of Striata Asia-Pacific. Keith has over 20 years experience in the IT industry, moving from software development and analysis roles into Sales and Account Management.

Keith started his career with British Gas and worked for 8 years in the Billing and Systems departments in Edinburgh and London. Keith moved to Hong Kong in 1995, where he worked for a further 8 years in business development in the Telecoms billing field for KSCL and Convergys.

Prior to joining Striata in 2008, Keith was Asian Business Development Manager for Mobiqa, a mobile-phone ticketing company, and Director of Red Bridge Consulting, an international business development consultancy based in Hong Kong.

Keith has an Honours Degree in Physics from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, and is a member of Mensa.

Nicola Els, Commercial Director Striata SA

Nicola is the Commercial Director of Striata South Africa, focusing on all business development related activities spanning retention and new business.

Prior to joining Striata, Nicola was the National Sales, Support and Training Manager for a property related IT company. In 2008 Nicola took on the role of Head of eBilling for Striata SA and has since been promoted into the role of Commercial Director. Nicola focuses on assisting some of the biggest brands in SA and Africa including listed organisations, with their digital communication strategies.

Nicola's professional certifications and licenses include a Bachelor of Arts (English and Law) and an LLB from the University of Johannesburg.

Gabriel Gutbezahl, Sales Director, Latin America

Gabriel joined the Striata team in 2008 as Sales Director responsible for the overall management of the Latin America territory.

With more than 10 years experience in selling complex IT services and developing Sales Channel Software, Gabriel works closely with Striata’s new and established channel partners including Distributors, resellers and OEM partners.

Languages are a strong suit for Gabriel, who is fluent in 4 languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese and German. He also boasts a double Bachelor Degree in Marketing & Advertising which he obtained in Buenos Aires (Argentina).