New Director Named for Ricardo Software

SHOREHAM, UK - December 11, 2008: Ricardo has announced that Dave Higbie will take over as the global director responsible for the company’s powertrain computer aided engineering (CAE) software business, Ricardo Software.

Higbie brings 13 years of experience in the powertrain consulting and CAE simulation software industry. He joins Ricardo from AVL, where he was director of the North American simulation software business unit. His diverse background includes business development and management, with responsibility for managing teams, budgets and strategy. Prior to AVL, Higbie held positions of increasing responsibility at CAE software developer, Exa Corporation. Early in his career he spent three years with Ricardo, including time as a software project engineer. Higbie holds a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Union College.

With global responsibility for the Ricardo Software business, Higbie will be based at the Ricardo Detroit Technology Campus and will manage the company’s software development and sales, support and distribution teams based in the US, Europe and Asia. He takes over from Steve Sapsford who will now be able to focus on his role as global product group director of Ricardo’s gasoline engines technology and engineering activities.