Category: News & Updates

Authentix Partners with Government Clients on Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in Africa

Posted on July 15, 2020 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, July 15, 2020 – Authentix®, the authority in authentication solutions, shares positive results of continued client partnerships for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Through a long standing commitment to expand resources beyond standard business operations, Authentix has taken lead from its government partners to help deliver a lasting, positive impact on the lives of thousands in many communities in Africa.

According to Authentix’s CEO, Kevin McKenna, “As we continue to focus on CSR initiatives, our approach centers around listening, learning, and planning in close collaboration with leaders of important government agencies such as the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Finance, Energy Regulation Board, and countless others who seek to improve environmental and socioeconomic conditions for their citizens.” Below highlights some of the collaborative programs completed.

Zambia: Clean Water & Sanitation in Petauke
The Zambian government recognized the lack of access to clean and safe water for many in drought stricken rural regions. Through a partnership with the Zambia Energy Regulation Board (ERB), Authentix supported the rehabilitation of 30 water boreholes and the drilling of six new boreholes and pumping equipment in the Petauke district within the Eastern Province of Zambia. Improved outcomes for local citizens included:

Over 30,000 people with access to clean and safe drinking water.
Reduced the number of non-communicable diseases in the district.
Increased school class attendance as children now have nearby access to water sources.
Improved sanitation facilities at two schools serving thousands of students.

In this ongoing partnership with the ERB, Authentix is continuing the spirit of CSR in 2020 by working with a consortium of partners rehabilitating more than 200 additional water boreholes in the Petauke district. This project will help vastly improve access to clean and safe drinking water for over 80,000 people in the area.

Ghana: New Technology Laboratory in Kongo Senior Secondary School
The Ghana National Petroleum Authority (NPA) expressed a need to help the Kongo Senior Secondary School, the only high school in the area with over 2,200 students. Authentix collaborated with the NPA to provide the secondary school with 21 new, fully networked computers with Internet access and also enabled the installation of a reference library.

In collaboration with government clients on multiple continents, Authentix has helped make a significant social impact by addressing local needs in health, education, and the environment and will continue to focus available resources for these important CSR projects.

About Authentix
As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial companies, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com.

###

Global Key Account Manager, Yanos Michopoulos, Appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEFSA

Posted on April 13, 2020 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, April 13, 2020 – Authentix®, the authority in authentication solutions, announced today that Global Key Account Manager Oil & Gas for Authentix, Yanos Michopoulos, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of The National Gas Transmission System Operator, DEFSA S.A. Michopoulos will remain with Authentix in his current role during his term on the board of directors for DEFSA, a gas operating company responsible for the operation, management, exploitation, and development of the National Natural Gas System and its interconnections (pipelines and LNG terminals). The organization was recently privatized, and it is now owned by a consortium of foreign investors such as Snam (It), Enagas (Sp) and Fluxys (Bel), while the Greek government maintains a minority shareholding of 34 percent.

Mr. Michopoulos is a well-respected thought leader in the energy industry and currently leads Authentix’s Global Commercial Oil & Gas business responsible for deploying solutions to protect the quality and brand integrity of commercial fuel supplies worldwide. He has 30 years international business experience across the EMEA region in various energy sectors, including oil & gas as well as renewables and infrastructure.

Mr. Michopoulos was nominated to the DEFSA Board by Kostis Hatzidakis, Greece’s Minister of Energy who stated, “I have known Mr. Michopoulos for 12 years and his extensive business experience, stakeholder management skills, and knowledge of Greece’s energy sector made him the obvious choice to lead the board of DEFSA. He has already made a positive impact with his guidance, and we look forward to his continued leadership in this new role.” Michopoulos stated, “It’s an incredible opportunity to utilize my professional skills and diverse business experience to lead the board of directors as it moves DEFSA through this historic transition in the southeast Europe energy sector. As DEFSA enters this period of rapid transformation, I’m honored to have the confidence of Mr. Hatzidakis and support of the majority shareholders.” Executive Vice President of Snam (It), the largest corporate shareholder of DEFSA, Mrs. Maria Rita Galli commented, “Mr. Michopoulos has an extensive knowledge of both the energy sector in which DESFA operates, as well as of the best practices in corporate governance. In his role as Chairman, he is contributing to the company’s and the shareholders’ efforts to lead the transformation from public to private and from local to an international business model.”

Chief Executive Officer of Authentix, Kevin McKenna, stated, “As the authority in authentication solutions for the energy sector, Authentix makes a difference not only through our technology and service capabilities but also through the quality and experience of our people, and Yanos is a great example. We congratulate and look forward to supporting him in this additional role as chairman of the board of DEFSA while he continues in his current position at Authentix leading our global commercial oil and gas business.”

About Authentix

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial companies, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com.

About The National Gas Transmission System Operator, DEFSA S.A.

The National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) S.A. is responsible for the operation, management, utilization and development of the National Natural Gas System and its interconnections, in a technically sound and economically efficient way, in order to best serve its users with safety, reliability and adequacy. Contributing decisively to the security of supply and the diversification of supply sources of the wider region, DESFA also facilitates the development of competition in the Greek energy market, while systematically striving for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Possessing extensive experience and having a highly skilled staff, DESFA is a reliable partner in the framework of the ongoing international energy projects in Southeastern Europe. https://www.desfa.gr/en/

Chad Crouch Appointed to U.S. Department of Commerce North Texas District Export Council

Posted on March 27, 2020 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, March 30, 2020 – Authentix®, the authority in authentication solutions, announced that its Vice President of Revenue Operations, Chad Crouch, has been appointed by the Department of Commerce to the North Texas District Export Council (NTDEC). The council members are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and contribute leadership and international trade expertise to complement the U.S. Commercial Service’s export promotion efforts. The primary objectives of the NTDEC are to educate the community about international trade and its benefits, including education to promote exports and international trade for companies in the United States. Regional District Export Councils also lobby state and federal legislatures to promote issues that can have a positive effect on international trade for their respective regions.

Individuals appointed to a regional District Export Council become part of a select corps of trade experts dedicated to providing international trade leadership and guidance to the local business community and assistance to the Department on export development issues. “I’m honored to be selected as part of the North Texas District Export Council, Crouch stated. We’ve been very fortunate to have such a great relationship with the United States Department of Commerce and its related agencies when expanding our business internationally. I look forward to assisting other companies in our region in expanding their business as well.”

Authentix has transformed over the past 20 years to a global organization with programs spanning across five continents and offices serving dozens of governments, central banks, and Fortune 100 companies. Today, Authentix derives 80 percent of its revenue from sources outside the United States. In May 2019, Authentix received the Export Achievement Certificate (EAC) from the U.S. Commercial Service Department for its success in acquiring and serving customers in the global marketplace.

Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Authentix, Kent Mansfield, stated, “Authentix works closely with the U.S. Commercial Service whenever we are expanding solutions and services into new countries, and this has proven invaluable to us in terms of support and guidance. Chad Crouch has been instrumental in furthering our relationship with the U.S. Commercial Service. I can’t think of a better selection for providing guidance and input to the NTDEC.”

About Authentix

About U.S. Commercial Service

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. The CS is a part of the U.S. Foreign Service and its commercial officers are diplomats. The CS global network of trade professionals helps thousands of U.S. companies to export goods and services worth billions of dollars every year. CS trade specialists are located throughout the United States, as well as in U.S. embassies and consulates in over 75 countries around the world. The mission of CS is to advance and protect strategic U.S. commercial and economic interests around the world.

Authentix® UK Named in This Year’s York Top 100 Business List

Posted on November 13, 2019 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, November 14, 2019 — Authentix, the authority in authentication and information services is proud to be part of this year’s York Top 100 Business list. Moving up from 85 in 2018 to 50^th position is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the York, UK based team and all those who support them in delivering advanced authentication solutions.

As a joint effort ofYork Business School at York St. John University, Make It York and The Press, the York Top 100 Business List has been in publication for three years. This year’s process involved a thorough framework that included defined search parameters and a public financial reporting database software platform for data collection containing information on more than 11 million companies in the UK and Ireland.

The search and review process included companies within the City of York Council boundary and some postal codes adjacent to the city boundary. York Business School looked at elements such as turnover, balance sheet and/or shareholder funds, profit levels, growth rate over the past two years, and headcount.

“We are honored to be a thriving part of the York business community. Being recognized in the York Top 100 Business List is a testament to the commitment of the entire Authentix York team, and all of our employees who are focused on our clients and the communities we serve,” said Kent Mansfield, chief sales and marketing officer. “With our new position this year and being part of the top 50 Firms, our team is motivated to continue our company’s strategic focus to expand our reach as a global organization helping to create a world of confident commerce.”

About Authentix:

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply and distribution chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial companies, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

Authentix® Welcomes Kent Mansfield to its Executive Team

Posted on April 24, 2019 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, April 24, 2019 – Authentix, the authority in authentication solutions, welcomes Kent Mansfield as its Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

Mansfield is responsible for strategically aligning Authentix solutions and expertise to key business unit operations to build and maintain our global brand and drive market development in key focus areas. In his role, Mansfield also oversees global sales and marketing for Government and Commercial Oil & Gas Programs and Brand Protection.

“Kent’s extensive background in the brand protection, security and technology industries, along with his expertise in sales, marketing, channel and product management, is extremely valuable toward helping Authentix provide advanced authentication solutions that enable customers to thrive in supply chain complexity.” states Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix.

He began his career in the commercial and investment banking sector before entering the security industry in 1995. He was part of the original executive team, which created Authentix from the merger of Isotag and Biocode in 2003. He has also served in executive roles with Ultrak, Smart Holograms, Boardroom Software, and TruTag Technologies.

Mansfield holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Tech University.

About Authentix:

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply and distribution chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

Media Contact:
Sonyett Bailey
Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
sonyett.bailey@authentix.com

Authentix® Welcomes Jeff Bowers to its Executive Team

Posted on April 18, 2019 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, April 18, 2019 – Authentix, the authority in authentication solutions, welcomes Jeff Bowers as Senior Vice President of Engineering.

In this new role, Bowers oversees all hardware and software development as well as the global engineering function. He brings more than 20 years of experience leading global development teams in full lifecycle product engineering and interfacing with customers to define, deliver and support solutions that meet current and emerging needs.

“The Engineering department at Authentix plays a critical role in advancing our technology products to accelerate our digital transformation and provide advanced authentication solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” states Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding that “We are thrilled to have Jeff on board to lead this charge.”

Prior to Authentix, Bowers spent 20 years with Giesecke+Devrient in various engineering and software solutions leadership roles. Bower’s career began at the Jonathan Corporation as the Engineering Manager.

Bowers earned his Master of Business Administration from Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Ohio Northern University. Bowers lives in Dallas after recently relocating from Washington, DC.

About Authentix:

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply and distribution chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Media Contact:
Sonyett Bailey
Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
sonyett.bailey@authentix.com

Authentix® Announces Executive Team Promotion

Posted on April 12, 2019 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, April 12, 2019 – Authentix, the authority in authentication solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of one of its most tenured executive leaders, Kristi Browne, to Senior Vice President, Global Services.

In this new role, Browne is now responsible for managing cross-functional groups accountable for client programs in Oil & Gas, Brand Protection, Tax Stamps, and Currency business units. Her team handles all program management, solutions development, production, and logistics for our clients on a worldwide basis. Being with Authentix for over 17 years gives her unique insight and vision coupled with an ability to manage excellence in delivery of solutions to the company’s high-quality client base.

“Kristi’s detailed understanding of delivering authentication solutions to our client base is unmatched because of her years successfully leading different areas of the organization,” stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding that “The commitment to our mission and the values Kristi and her team demonstrate is one of the primary reasons for our 95% customer retention rate.”

Browne holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas and lives with her husband and two children in Dallas, Texas.

About Authentix:
As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply and distribution chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Media Contact:
Sonyett Bailey
Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
sonyett.bailey@authentix.com

Authentix® Announces Acquisition of Security Print Solutions Limited

Posted on April 3, 2019 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, April 3, 2019 — Authentix, the authority in authentication and information services, announced that it has acquired Security Print Solutions Limited (“SPS”) through its United Kingdom based entity, Authentix Limited.

United Kingdom based SPS is an industry leader in providing high security print solutions to a broad base of global clientele. The company offers a highly diverse product portfolio including high security tax stamps and a host of security labels and other documents such as patented and multi-layered security technologies it deploys in its solutions. For over 30 years, SPS has been at the forefront of developing new and patented methods, combining innovation in print with new technologies and decades of craft.

“This strategic acquisition expands our portfolio of security technologies to grow our support in tax recovery programs for governments as well as increasing the scope of offerings for our brand protection clients,” stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding “a key element of our growth plan includes integration of a high security printing operation into our organization and we can’t think of a higher quality candidate than SPS.”

SPS will remain a stand-alone operating entity retaining its respective brands, with a plan to integrate within the Authentix group of companies to grow a collective set of strategic offerings and leverage the sales platform extensively in the markets served.

About Security Print Solutions:

SPS is one of the world’s leading security print solution providers in the revenue recovery and brand protection domain. Originally the business produced tickets for major events and secure cheques. But over the years the business has increasingly focused on custom tailored secure documents (certificates and legal paperwork), brand protection, and tax & revenue protection solutions for governments in MEA.

About Authentix:

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply and distribution chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Media Contact:
Sonyett Bailey
Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
sonyett.bailey@authentix.com

Authentix Inc. Selected as 2018 Global Energy Awards Finalist

Posted on November 7, 2018 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

Winners to be Recognized at December 6 New York Gala

NEW YORK (October 29, 2018) – Energy companies from 37 countries have been selected as finalists for the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards. The 2018 finalists were announced by program host S&P Global Platts, the leading global provider of energy and commodities information and spot market benchmarks.

Authentix^®, Inc., the authority in Authentication Solutions, is the sole provider of quantitative LPG marking technology in the world. Authentix partnered with Coral Gas Greece, to promise ensure brand protection of its Automotive Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) using an the Authentix Assure™ Fuel Authentication and Product Quality Assurance Solution. The solution was nominated under two categories, the Award of Excellence – Downstream and the Commercial Technology of the Year Award. Authentix has been named a finalist in both categories.

Established in 1999 and often described as “the Oscars of the energy industry,” Global Energy Awards highlight corporate and individual innovation, leadership and superior performance in 19 categories that span the entire energy complex.

Coral Gas wished to ensure a complete quality and quantity control of its product at retail stations. wThrough aith the collaboration collaborative partnershipand support of Authentix, we proceeded to bring this to the market- which is a European first and a significant innovation. Authentix Inc. has enabled Coral Gas Greece, to be the only company in the European Union which canto offer this level of assurity to its customers.

Hundreds of energy industry representatives are expected to attend the 2018 Global Energy Awards black-tie dinner gala in New York City on December 6. The awards program will be emceed by CNBC Reporter Jackie DeAngelis.

About Authentix Inc.: As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply and distribution chain complexity. We provide advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. Our partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the US, UK, UAE, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, email: info@authentix.com or visit our website: www.authentix.com

About S&P Global Platts: At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We’re the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil and gas, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping.

S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.platts.com.

Media Contact:
Sonyett Bailey
Corporate Marketing Director, Authentix
Sonyett.Bailey@Authentix.com

Board Names Kevin McKenna as Next CEO

Posted on May 25, 2018 |

Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, May 24, 2018 – Authentix® announced today that Kevin McKenna will become its next President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 29, 2018. Kevin succeeds Bernard C. Bailey who will continue to serve Authentix as Chairman of the Board. McKenna joined the Company’s executive team in 2012 and has served in various capacities touching all Authentix markets as President of Oil and Gas as well as General Manager of the Brand and Currency and Tax Stamp businesses. He most recently served as the Chief Sales and Services Officer responsible for global sales and all customer engagements. He has been a key contributor to the successful growth and subsequent sale of Authentix to Blue Water Energy, a London-based private equity firm, in September 2017.
“For more than 20 years, Authentix has provided advanced solutions to combat illicit trade across the globe. It is a great honor to now lead Authentix in the next phase of our growth as we look to advance our world-class authentication solutions into new markets and next generation technologies,” said Kevin McKenna. “We have an exceptionally talented team at Authentix that is focused on unlocking future growth opportunities while being committed to our existing customers’ success. I am incredibly optimistic about our future.”

Prior to Authentix, McKenna held executive management roles within the information technology and security industries at HID Global and L-1 Identity Solutions. He began his career with IBM Global Services, serving in a variety of consulting and program management positions.

Bailey commented, “Kevin’s breadth of experience, coupled with his deep understanding of our global customers and markets make him a superb choice for leading Authentix moving forward. His vision, strategic insights and execution track record are exactly what Authentix needs as we enter into our next chapter, which I am confident will be even more impactful and exciting than our last.”

After earning his undergraduate degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, McKenna served as an officer in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot. He also holds an advanced degree in engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla.
“I am honored to lead Authentix as CEO and advance our growth strategy into new geographic markets, market sectors, and next generation technologies,” said Kevin McKenna. “I would like to thank the board of directors, Blue Water Energy, and the Authentix employees for their confidence and trust. We have an exceptionally talented team at Authentix that is focused on unlocking future growth opportunities and committed to our customers’ success. I am incredibly optimistic about our future.”

About Authentix:
Authentix, a leading global authentication and information services company, assists customers in combating illicit trade and managing the integrity of their global supply chains. With comprehensive end-to-end authentication solutions we help safeguard customers in refined fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, lubes, and LPG) and branded products (e.g., pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and spirits industries) from counterfeiting, product theft, product diversion, and adulteration. In addition, we help protect currencies for many leading central banks.

Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the US, UK, UAE, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.authentix.com