TalkPlus, Inc., a provider of advanced Voice 2.0 services over mobile networks, today announced that Michael Toepel has been named the company’s new chief executive officer and president, succeeding chairman and founder Jeff Black, who simultaneously was named chief strategy officer.

Toepel, 45, was previously senior vice president for business development and sales at TalkPlus, a position he has held since 2006, shortly after the company was founded.

Black, 45, will retain his title as chairman of the board while adding the new role as chief strategy officer.

In making the announcement, Black said, “Michael has been instrumental in working with the venture community, handling funding and running the day-to-day operations of the company. His broad experience in building organizations in the software and mobile applications sectors will serve us all well as he assumes his new role.”

Shawn T. Carolan, managing director of Menlo Ventures, TalkPlus’ venture backers, commented: “Having Michael take on the role of CEO—something he is well suited for—will permit Jeff to put more of his energy into corporate strategy and technology development. These two key appointments will enable TalkPlus to continue its trajectory toward even greater success in redefining mobile voice communications.”

“It’s an honor and an exciting challenge to take over the reins from Jeff, who built the foundations of this company,” said Toepel. “With the support of the incredibly talented TalkPlus team, I hope to continue the realization of our corporate vision to use technology to solve the real-world communications issues people face every day.”

Before joining TalkPlus, Toepel was senior vice president of sales at Kivera, Inc., a leading provider of wireless applications. Prior to his work there, Toepel was vice president of global services at SABA Software, where he built a successful worldwide professional-services business with operations in 14 countries. He has also held executive sales and marketing leadership positions at BayLogics, Inc., and Cushman & Wakefield. Toepel received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Black has nearly 30 years of international business experience in developing and marketing emerging technologies in the wireless, Internet search and Internet appliance markets. During his career, Black has founded and sold several companies including Hotels.com, iAtlas Corporation and Resorts.com. Prior to TalkPlus, Black held leadership positions at BizExpense, Inc.; Conomae Corporation; and the AltaVista Company. He also held numerous management and technology positions at Digital Equipment Corporation and Tandy Corporation. Black holds six patents for his work in emerging technologies.

TalkPlus has been praised by technology experts and users alike for its ability to give people more control over how calls reach them. TalkPlus is available in two versions. The basic plan provides wireless users an additional phone number, mirror number, call screening, advanced voicemail and online call-management center. For mobile professionals, TalkPlus has a pro plan that offers additional phone numbers and features such as conference calling. TalkPlus also offers low-cost long-distance services to more than 190 countries.

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About TalkPlus
TalkPlus provides advanced Voice 2.0 services over mobile networks. TalkPlus subscribers benefit from increased flexibility, privacy, and control over their mobile experience, all at affordable prices. Mobile carriers partnering with TalkPlus can offer features to their customers without extensive infrastructure updates. TalkPlus is a privately held company based in San Mateo, Calif., and is backed by Menlo Ventures LLC. The company was founded in February 2004.

To learn more, please visit www.talkplus.com