NetQin Mobile, a China-based provider of consumer-focused mobile security software, has undergone a name change. The company is now rolling with the name “NQ Mobile”, the brand that it will use to conduct all of its international business. Officially, the company will change its corporate name from NetQin Mobile, Inc. to NQ Mobile, Inc.
In addition to the name change, the company announced that it has hired Omar Khan, former Chief Product and Technology Officer of Samsung Mobile, as Co-Chief Executive Officer.
Khan most recently served as the Managing Director and Global Head of the Mobile Center of Excellence for Citigroup.
As Co-CEO Khan will direct the Company alongside current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Henry Lin. In addition, Khan will focus on the global expansion of NetQin into markets including North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, Korea and India, the company said. Dr. Lin will continue to focus on current core markets such as China and Taiwan among other developing countries.
“We are thrilled to bring Omar Khan into the new leadership position of Co-CEO at such a critical and exciting time for our company and our industry,” said Dr. Lin. “Mobile security is a global issue, as mobile viruses and malware have no borders, and we see growing demand for our security solutions in the Americas and beyond. As we continue our rapid global expansion we will benefit from Omar’s proven ability to successfully bring products and solutions to consumers worldwide.”
“Smartphone growth has tripled that of PCs over the past two years and malware threats are rising at astronomical rates all over the world,” said Khan. “It has never been more important for consumers to protect their privacy and their data.”
While at Samsung, Khan was responsible for Samsung Mobile’s strategy, product, technology, content and services functions. Prior to joining Samsung, he spent eight years at Motorola, including the role as Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Business Operations for the Mobile Devices Business. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Just last week, the company announced a deal with Motorola Mobility in which NetQin’s software will be pre-installed on Motorola Android smartphones in China. The company said that the first Motorola Android phones to include NetQin Mobile Security are expected to ship in early 2012. Under the agreement, Motorola customers will receive 60 days of free access to NetQin Mobile Security Premium features.
In September 2011, NetQin opened a Security Research Center in Raleigh, North Carolina that focuses on identifying and monitoring mobile security threats. The center is led by Dr. Xuxian Jiang, who was appointed Chief Scientist in September 2011. Jiang is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department and a member of the Cyber Defense Lab at North Carolina State University.
