Illume Software, a developer of location-powered lifestyle and enterprise solutions, today appointed Daniel Ross as president and chief executive officer. With more than 20 years experience as an operational executive building and leading some of the most successful software and services start-ups in New England, Ross brings unrivaled management expertise to this emerging marketplace. Combined with Illume Software’s core strength in mobile technology, Ross’s track record of creating category leaders well prepares the company for market penetration.

“Illume presents me with the unique opportunity to pursue my business interests in parallel with my personal dedication to inspiring and shaping the next generation,” said Ross. “I am joining an impressive team of experienced mobile telecom, internet and media veterans at Illume Software, a company that has gained incredible momentum and attention in just its first year of existence. I look forward to leading the continued growth of iZUP and the development of new location-critical mobile safety solutions.”

Prior to joining Illume Software, Ross was managing partner of Maxis Capital in Boston, a global private equity firm. Ross was also a member of CommonAngels, an organization of successful entrepreneurs in the software, information technology and internet business communities. Over the past decade Ross led the turnaround of middle-market software and services companies including Optiant, Manna and DarwinSuzsoft (now Dextrys), which became one of the top three U.S.-based Chinese offshore IT services companies. As senior executive at OpenMarket, Ross played a major role in building the company to become the global market leader in e-commerce and taking it public for the most successful IPO on NASDAQ during 1996. Ross is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at GrandBanks Capital.

Previously, Ross led the financial and operational turnaround of Picturetel, where he doubled profitable revenues to $500 million in less than two years. In his 16 years at Digital Equipment Corporation, Ross held various senior management positions building several units to over $2 billion in profitable revenue. He brings to Illume Software significant start-up experience in the telecom industry and a career history of growing businesses, raising $125 million across five companies.

Dan is also active with inner city high school entrepreneurial programs at the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, where he is a past board member, and serves as an advisor to the MATCH school in Boston. He has lectured at MIT Sloan School, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Babson College on Entrepreneurship speaking on the topic of how to make money while serving the greater good.

Ross joins Illume Software just as the company introduces its flagship product iZUP, the only mobile application that effectively eliminates all cell-phone related driver distractions. As executive leader, Ross will build upon iZUP’s momentum to spearhead innovation in the new marketplace of location-critical, mobile safety solutions. Ross steps into the role previously held by Matthew I. Growney, who served as Illume’s interim CEO while the board conducted its executive search.

“I am thrilled to see Dan take the reins as Illume Software’s newly appointed president and CEO,” said Director and Executive Advisor Matthew I. Growney. “Ross’s in-depth experience and widespread success in the start-up and venture capital industry in New England perfectly positions him to drive Illume Software’s market dominance.”

About Illume Software

With headquarters in the Boston area, Illume Software is led by experienced mobile telecom, internet and media veterans and boasts an advisory board of prominent business, political, financial and technology leaders.

Today, Illume is working on mobile solutions to real lifestyle problems. iZUP, a responsible solution to cell phone-related distracted driving, is the first of many products.