VirTra Appoints Director and Military Simulation Training Expert John Givens as Co-Chief Executive Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

VirTra, Inc (NASDAQ: VTSI) has appointed John Givens as co-CEO effective immediately. Givens, a board member since November 2020, previously founded Bohemia Interactive Simulations, which was sold to BAE Systems for $200 million. His leadership is expected to enhance operational excellence and business development within VirTra's law enforcement and military training markets. Givens expressed enthusiasm about leveraging the company's world-class products for growth. Following this appointment, the board will reduce to two independent directors with plans to add one soon.

Positive

• John Givens' extensive experience in military simulations positions VirTra for potential growth.
• The appointment may strengthen leadership, enhancing operational and business development strategies.

Negative

• Reduced independent board member count could raise concerns about governance.

TEMPE, Ariz., May 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI) (“VirTra”), a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, and firearms training simulators for the law enforcement and military markets, has appointed John Givens as co-chief executive officer (CEO), effective today. Givens has been a member of the board of directors for VirTra since November 2020.

In 2010, he founded the U.S. company of Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), and during his tenure as president of the company, he led the business to becoming one of the most widely deployed simulation products throughout all branches of the U.S. and allied military forces, culminating in the 2022 purchase of BISim by BAE Systems plc for $200 million.

He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the simulation industry’s “Pioneer Award” for outstanding contributions and innovations to the training and effectiveness of U.S. and overseas soldiers, sailors, and airmen. He also serves as the Co-Chair on the National Center for Simulation (NCS) board of directors, an association of defense companies, government, academic, and modeling and simulations industry members. Givens graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Florida Institute of Technology and proudly served in the United States Army.

“John is that rare talent who can only be described as a force of nature and I’m honored to share the CEO duties with him,” said Co-CEO and Chairman Bob Ferris. “From operational excellence to record-setting business development successes, John has an unmatched and proven track record in the military simulation marketplace. His experience scaling successful business operations similar to VirTra in the U.S. and internationally should greatly help us capitalize on the significant opportunities for VirTra in the law enforcement and military markets.”

Givens added, “I am honored that VirTra has given me the opportunity to be a part of the next identified growth cycle. The team, products and services are world class industry leaders ready for scalability under our combined Co-CEO roles. I am proud to be part of a customer-focused and driven company whose expertise and systems are making a significant difference for those who protect us.”

With Givens’s appointment, VirTra’s independent board of director members will decrease to two and the Company plans to add an independent director in the near future.

About VirTra, Inc.

VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators and driving simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The company’s patented technologies, software, and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship, and related training that mimics real-world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through practical and highly effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this document are made based on our current expectations, forecasts, estimates and assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, uncertainties and risks that could affect our future results or operations. These factors, uncertainties and risks may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement set forth in the reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You should carefully consider these risk and uncertainties described and other information contained in the reports we file with or furnish to the SEC before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover and Jeff Grampp, CFA
Gateway Group, Inc.
VTSI@gatewayir.com
949-574-3860

FAQ

Who is the new co-CEO of VirTra as of May 2022?

John Givens has been appointed as co-CEO of VirTra, effective May 2, 2022.

What experience does John Givens bring to VirTra?

John Givens previously founded Bohemia Interactive Simulations and led the business to significant success, culminating in a $200 million acquisition by BAE Systems.

What is the expected impact of John Givens' appointment on VirTra?

His leadership is expected to enhance operational excellence and capitalize on growth opportunities in the military and law enforcement sectors.

How will the board composition change with Givens' appointment?

The independent board of directors will decrease to two members, with plans to add an independent director in the near future.