Exhibit 99
Press Release dated August 27, 2001
NEW PRESIDENT/CEO TAKES HELM OF BESTNET COMMUNICATIONS CORP
August 27, 2001 09:01:00 AM ET
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- BestNet Communications Corp. (OTC
Bulletin Board: BESC) provider of a patented Internet-based communication
solutions, announced today that Robert A. Blanchard has been named President/CEO
of BestNet Communications Corp., Robert A. Blanchard's appointment was approved
by the Company's Board of Directors and is effective August 20, 2001.
Robert Blanchard takes control of the Company from Gerald Quinn, who will remain
chair of the Company's Board of Directors. Robert Blanchard will be responsible
for all aspects of the Company, including general administration, strategic
relations, finance, sales, marketing, technical operations and customer service.
Gerald Quinn, former President/CEO and head of the selection committee said:
"Bob's appointment to the Company marks a major milestone for BestNet. We are no
longer a development company and require the leadership and vision that Bob
brings to take this company to the next stage. We're particularly impressed with
Bob's senior management experience in telecommunications and his impressive
record building strategic alliances, developing and implementing sales and
marketing programs and managing operations."
Robert Blanchard, President/CEO of BestNet said: "I am very excited to have the
opportunity to lead the transformation of BestNet from a development company to
a global technology solutions provider. The decision to join was not difficult,
given the expansive market for the Company's proprietary technology and proven
capabilities for innovation."
Prior to joining BestNet, Robert Blanchard was President & COO of ProNet Global,
Inc., a privately-held corporation dedicated to world-wide strategic growth and
support of independent business owners affiliated with Quixtar, a leading
e-commerce organization. Through ProNet, Robert was President/CEO position of
the e-Alliance, a worldwide strategic alliance of marketing organizations and
strategic partnerships representing approximately $2 billion in annual sales.
Prior to ProNet, Robert was Vice President of Strategy & Business Development
for Reliable Energy, Inc., a management consulting firm for commercial and
industrial users of natural gas and electricity. Robert also has served as
Corporate Director for US Xchange, LLC, a facilities based provider of
competitive telecommunication services (CLEC), Director of Administration for
W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Director of North America for Amway Corporation.
Robert holds a MBA from Northwestern University and Baccalaureate from Central
Michigan University.
BestNet Communications Corp. is an Internet-based provider of long distance,
conference calling and e-commerce communication services. BestNet's service uses
access and control of the Internet with existing telephone infrastructure (i.e.,
the public switched telephone network) to complete calls. The Company provides
access to its services via the web, desktop and handhelds including Palm(TM),
Pocket PC(R) and Blackberry(TM) devices. The patented Bestnetcall.com system
provides toll quality, global access, low rates, real-time billing and call
management features. Bestnetcall.com is used by business and residential
customers in over 120 countries. To learn more about Bestnetcall, visit our
website at: www.bestnetcall.com
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements.
Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not
limited to, those factors detailed by BestNet Communications Corp in its filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information please contact BestNet Communications Corp.,
+1-520-750-9093, ext. 207.