Press Releases | Blackline Safety

Blackline Safety appoints Barbara Holzapfel, Microsoft executive, as advisor to the board of directors

Written by Blackline Safety | November 10, 2020

Ms. Holzapfel brings 20+ years of strategic marketing experience in the tech industry to Blackline   

Calgary, Canada — November 10, 2020 — Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX.V: BLN), a global leader of gas detection and connected safety solutions, announced today the appointment of Barbara Holzapfel, a current executive at Microsoft, as an advisor to the board. She will operate as an advisor prior to being added to the slate of nominations to be presented at Blackline’s FY2020 Annual General Meeting.

Blackline is a global leader in cloud-connected safety that supports leading businesses around the world to transform digitally through increased safety, efficiency and quality using wearable technologies, cloud software and data.

Ms. Holzapfel earned her master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and the University of Saarbruecken, Germany. She has since enjoyed a successful 20-year career in management and marketing leadership roles. She currently holds the position of VP Microsoft Education, having previously served as CMO for two fin-tech companies, and as SVP and Managing Director for SAP Labs North America. Ms. Holzapfel offers deep executive experience from a variety of industries, including high tech, financial services, management consulting and consumer-packaged goods, while also serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations.

“I am excited about the opportunity to support the growth trajectory of Blackline,” said Barbara Holzapfel. “With businesses undergoing digital transformation across every industry, Blackline is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact upon the safety and performance of global enterprises. I look forward to supporting the board of directors and helping Blackline to expand the reach of its connected safety and worker technologies.”

“With our board’s expansion, the appointment of Barbara as an advisor marks a pivotal time for our strong, rapidly growing company,” said Cody Slater, Chair and CEO of Blackline Safety. “Her proven experience and leadership as a senior marketing executive will make a dramatic impact on increasing Blackline’s global awareness and exposure to our award-winning cloud-connected wearables and software platform.”

Ms. Holzapfel will act as an advisor to the Blackline Safety board of directors that includes CEO and Chair, Cody Slater and independent Directors Cheemin Bo-Linn, Michael Hayduk, Dr. John Finbow, Robert Herdman and Brad Gilewich. Each of Blackline’s board members are seasoned business veterans who offer significant corporate leadership experience in the technology, industrial, software, marketing and business operations sectors. For more information on Blackline Safety’s management team, please visit www.blacklinesafety.com/about/our-team.