Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, today announced that Joseph (Joe) L. Cowan has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Cowan, who brings extensive executive management experience in software and technology to Epicor, succeeds Pervez Qureshi, who is stepping down to pursue new opportunities. Qureshi will also be stepping down from his position as a director on the Epicor board of directors.
“We are very pleased that Joe Cowan has joined Epicor as its new CEO and will be leading the company in its next phase of growth,” said Jason Wright, a member of the Board of Directors of Epicor. “Joe is a proven executive and strong leader who is highly respected within the technology industry. He possesses outstanding strategic vision and exceptional commercial and operational skills having led a number of major software companies to new levels of growth and profitability.” Along with his appointment as President and CEO, Cowan will be appointed as a member of the Epicor board of directors.
“I am honored to have been selected as the new Epicor CEO and am impressed by the company’s solutions, its relationships with its customers and its opportunities for growth,” said Cowan. “I look forward to working with the experienced Epicor leadership team and our more than 4,800 talented employees worldwide on continuing to deliver innovative technologies and software solutions that help our customers build more successful businesses. I am eager to get started on what will be an exciting new chapter in the Epicor story.”
Most recently, Cowan served as President and CEO of Online Resources, a leading provider of online banking and full-service payment solutions, until its acquisition by ACI Worldwide in March 2013. Previously, he served as CEO of Interwoven, Inc., a global leader in content management software, until its acquisition by Autonomy Corporation plc in 2009. Cowan has significant technology and enterprise software experience having served in a variety of leadership roles at Manugistics, EXE Technologies and Invensys/Baan. Cowan received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and an M.S. in Engineering from Arizona State University.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Pervez Qureshi for his dedication and many contributions to Epicor,” said Wright. “Pervez led us through a complex period during exceptionally challenging economic times in which he oversaw the highly successful integration of Epicor and Activant. He was instrumental in positioning the new Epicor as the global leader it is today with over 20,000 customers in more than 150 countries. We thank Pervez for all that he has accomplished over the past two years and wish him well as he pursues new opportunities.”
