The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced the appointment of new officers to the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors. Board members Svein-Egil Nielsen, James Rutledge, and Toby Nixon have been appointed as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary respectively, for a one year term.

“The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has been the driving force behind Bluetooth® technology since its inception in early 1998, taking Bluetooth from a simple wire replacement solution to where it is today, with over two billion Bluetooth enabled products projected to ship in 2013 and with the technology positioned to become the backbone of the future connected world,” said Mark Powell, executive director, Bluetooth SIG. “Our Board of Directors and Associate members are volunteers who dedicate their time, thought leadership, and expertise to ensure Bluetooth technology remains the de facto global wireless standard. We appreciate their guidance and are pleased to work even closer with Svein-Egil, James, and Toby in their new roles.”

Nielsen, director of emerging technologies and strategic partnerships for Nordic Semiconductor, has been on the SIG board since July 2011. Rutledge, director of open innovation research & technology, senior engineering staff member and Lenovo Master Inventor, has previously served for two years as secretary of the board. Nixon, a senior program manager at Microsoft, has been on the Bluetooth SIG board since 2011.

Commented Nielsen: “This is an exciting time. The future of Bluetooth has never been brighter, with the technology poised to unleash an unprecedented wave of innovation across multiple industries. Our mission will be to make it possible for virtually any object to become part of the connected world. I congratulate my fellow newly elected officers and look forward to working with them, the board, and our over 17,000 members to make our shared vision a reality.”

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart Ready and Bluetooth Smart branded devices, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, create new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With over two billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 17,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com.