Nizar j Somji : visionary leader,
Nizar’s ability to identify emerging business and technology trends

Nizar J. Somji M. Eng.; P.Eng.

Founder, Chairman and former President & CEO of Matrikon Inc. (MTK-T), North America’s leading industrial information technology solutions provider.

A visionary leader, Nizar’s ability to identify emerging trends in both business and technology established Matrikon’s reputation as a leader in integrated industrial intelligence.

From Matrikon’s humble beginnings as a one-person operation in 1988, Nizar’s philosophy for building the company’s success has remained unchanged: the job is never finished until the value sought by the client is achieved. The success of that philosophy is evident as Matrikon has grown to a publicly traded, multinational company employing close to 600 people, servicing clients on six continents, and with expected revenues of $77 million in 2006.

Under Nizar’s leadership, Matrikon enjoyed 17 years of growth and profitability, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% on revenue and 53% on net income since 2001. Over the same period, Matrikon’s share price tripled. Matrikon grew primarily on internal cash flow (having only raised $12M) and has a strong, debt-free balance sheet; a unique accomplishment for a technology company.

Matrikon has always maintained solid governance practices with a strong and independent board as well as independent board committees. The financial community has cited Matrikon as a company to emulate with respect to the quality and depth of disclosure, transparency and governance practices.

Entrepreneurial History

Proven track record of building a world-class technology organization with a global presence, and doing so with prudent fiscal management resulting in sustained growth and profitability.
Experienced in identifying complementary acquisition opportunities, negotiating transaction details and managing the subsequent integration of people and technology on multiple continents. More importantly, demonstrated discipline by walking away from several acquisitions during the due diligence process.
Demonstrated ability to identify and cultivate leaders: internally by mentoring and encouraging entrepreneurial qualities of “rising stars” within Matrikon and externally through various mentorship programs. Groomed successor President and CEO over the past decade, resulting in a seamless transition.
Cultivated long-term relationships with academic and other research institutions which, when combined with ability to identify changing technology and business trends, resulted in many successful commercial product deployments.
Strong technical and business background: over 20 years of industrial IT software development, system design, management consulting and project management in the process control and manufacturing industries. Solid understanding of modern business principles and regulatory compliance requirements.

Board and Related Experience

Matrikon Inc. (MTK-T). Chairman since December 2005, Director since 2001
Optimal Geomatics Inc. (OPG-V), Vancouver, Canada. Director, Chair of Governance committee and Member of audit committee since 2005
Platform Resources (PFM-V), Calgary, Canada. Founding Director and Member of the audit committee since 2004
CARE Canada, a leading Canadian NGO. Board member since 2003
University of Alberta National Fundraising Campaign co-chair
Appointed to the Alberta Information and Communications Technology Institute Board (Alberta ICTI) 2006
Appointed in 2000 to the Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) Task Force on International Trade by Minister Pettigrew
Mentor through the EPCOR Mentorship program, which matches small business owners with senior executives
Regular contributor to a variety of publications. Regular columnist for Edmontonian magazine and contributor to the Ernst & Young Annual Technology Report
Frequent speaker at a variety of forums, from student career fairs to the Chamber of Commerce to industry associations and business groups

Awards

Alberta Centennial Medal, 2005, in recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.
Dr. Charles Allard Chair in Business, University of Alberta, 2002: an honorary teaching position offered annually to a respected industry leader to foster excellence among students, staff and faculty.
University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award, 2001, presented for significant contributions made over a number of years by University of Alberta alumni in their local communities and beyond.
Two-time finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards recognizing the innovation, drive and inspiration that fuel Canada’s business spirit.

Educational Experience and Affiliations

Masters in Chemical Engineering, University of Alberta (1985).
Bachelor of Science, University of Birmingham in England (1980)
Member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA); Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).