Former Founder and CEO of C-Cube signals the company’s continuing focus on the energy market and strengthening of key customer partnerships

Santa Clara, CA – NOV 21, 2013 – Picarro Inc., the world’s leading producer of real-time, cloud-based gas measurement solutions for the global energy and scientific markets, today announced that it has appointed Alex Balkanski as President and Chief Executive Officer.

A long-time industry leader, Balkanski has a demonstrated track record of delivering growth in revenue and profits, while achieving recognition for outstanding customer satisfaction.  The appointment signals the company’s continuing focus on establishing itself as a leader in the emerging energy market and to the building of key partnerships with major utilities globally.

Most recently, Balkanski served as General Partner at Benchmark and as a member of the Board of Directors for Picarro.  Prior to joining Benchmark, Balkanski founded and took public C-Cube Microsystems, a pioneering company that drove the MPEG standard to dominance in consumer electronics and broadcasting, growing the company from a startup to a half-billion dollar corporation.  C-Cube was voted the Most Respected Public Company, as well as the Best Financially Managed Company by the Fabless Semiconductor Association. 

Balkanski said, “I will apply the same philosophy that I employed at C-Cube; establish strong partnerships with our customers and deliver solutions that will transform the industry.” 

Balkanski served on the Board of Directors of Ambarella (AMBA), Decru (acquired by Network Appliance), Infinera (INFN), and Entrisphere (acquired by Ericsson).  He holds a Ph.D. and a M.S. from Harvard University, as well as a B.S. from Harvard College.