MIAMI, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightstar Corp., the world's largest specialized wireless distribution company and leader in services for the wireless industry, today announced that it has formed a board of advisors to strategically assist the company as it builds out a broad portfolio of products and services for the wireless industry. Michel Combes, former CEO of Vodafone Europe, is the first appointment to the board of advisors. 

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Brightstar plans to appoint up to five additional telecom industry veterans in the coming months.   The board will provide guidance to Brightstar's management team as it expands the company's business development strategy, internally and externally, in support of continued  transformation into a global services organization.  

"We are excited that Michel Combes has joined our newly formed advisory board," said R. Marcelo Claure, chairman and chief executive officer. "He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, and we look forward to tapping his expertise as we broaden our portfolio of customized services to help our customers manage the growing complexity of the wireless industry."

Mr. Combes was formerly CEO of Vodafone Europe, and a board member of Vodafone Group Plc. During his career, he has held the positions of CEO of TDF Group and senior EVP of France Telecom.  He holds a degree in engineering and graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique and the Paris Telecoms School. 

About Brightstar
Brightstar is the world's largest specialized wireless distributor and a leading global services company, serving mobile device manufacturers, wireless operators and retailers, with a local presence on six continents and operations in 50 countries and territories. Brightstar's industry-leading services include value-added distribution, supply chain optimization, handset protection and insurance, buy-back and trade-in solutions and multi-channel retail solutions. Brightstar services help customers increase product availability, expand channel reach and drive supply chain efficiencies by getting the right products to the right place at the right time.

Brightstar's annual revenues exceeded US$5.9 billion for the period ended June 30, 2012. The company is ranked #70 on the Forbes 2011 List of America's Largest Private Companies. 

For more information, please visit http://www.brightstarcorp.com.

SOURCE Brightstar Corp.