The origins of Myriad Group AG trace back to the year 2009, when it was established through a merger between Purple Labs and Esmertec.[1] Following this amalgamation, the company expanded its product and service offerings to cater to Mobile Operators, encompassing features such as USSD self-service capabilities and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) designed for Java-enabled devices.[2]
The position of chief executive officer was assumed by Stephen Dunford on December 4, 2012.[3] He later resigned from this role on January 31, 2017.[4] Following Dunford's departure, Philipp Bolliger was appointed as the current CEO of Myriad Group AG in June 2018.[5] On August 13, 2020, Paul Diaz became CEO and President of Myriad Group.[6]
Purple Labs
The founding of the company, known as Purple Labs, dates back to the year 2001 when it was established by Jean-Luc Botto, Dennis O'Donovan, Sebastien Soyer, and Jean-Marie Andre.[7] Originating in France, Purple Labs had its headquarters located in Chambéry. The company was primarily engaged in the development and distribution of Linux-based software designed for mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs).[8]
In October 2007, Simon Wilkinson was appointed as the chief executive officer, shortly following a significant venture capital funding round that garnered $14.5 million for the firm.[9] A notable event occurred on June 30, 2008, when Purple Labs acquired the mobile phone client software division of Openwave, specializing in browser and messaging client technologies, for a sum of $32 million.[10] Subsequently, on July 31, 2008, the company reached an agreement to acquire Sagem Communication's mobile phone software along with its associated engineering teams.[11] The company further expanded its operations on April 16, 2012, through the acquisition of Synchronica plc.[12]
In September 2012, a transitional phase saw James Bodha, Mike Grant, and Gary Bunney take on the roles of co-CEOs as the company searched for a new full-time chief executive officer.[13]
