AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AVG Technologies, a leading provider of Internet security solutions with over 80 million users in 167 countries, today announced a global search for a new CEO that can lead the company to the next level in its growth. Currently privately held, AVG’s board of directors hopes that by making key organizational investments, it will help to position AVG for a public offering in the coming years.

“The opportunities in the internet security arena are growing exponentially,” said Dale Fuller, chairman of the board, AVG Technologies. “AVG has enjoyed tremendous growth in recent years and we believe that with the right investments in additional talent, we will be poised to capitalize on growing opportunities in the global market place.”

Fuller also said that current CEO, JR Smith, who is credited with putting AVG on its strong growth trajectory and driving the extraordinary results for the past two years, will remain an integral part of the business. “JR Smith has done an extraordinary job of bringing AVG to this point and he will continue to be a key player going forward. We are looking for an additional executive leader with public company experience and a proven record in taking a company of our size through the next phases of growth. This individual will enable JR and the executive team to be laser-focused on acquisitions, investments and business relationships that will allow us to move forward, while ensuring that we remain the strong, growing company we are today.”

“I am very proud to have been able to help AVG achieve record growth and performance over the past two years, which now puts us in a very strong position to take the steps necessary to move our business to the next level,” said JR Smith, CEO, AVG Technologies. “I am excited about the future for AVG, and partnering with a strong leader who can navigate the path ahead of us while allowing me to remain committed to leading the free security space with technology offerings that are unparalleled.”

About AVG Technologies

AVG is a global security solutions leader protecting more than 80 million consumers and small business computer users in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. Headquartered in Amsterdam, AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free online, downloadable software model allows entry-level users to gain basic anti-virus protection and then to easily and inexpensively upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense in both single and multi-user environments. Nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors team with AVG globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!. More information is available at www.avg.com.