Smartforce, the world's largest e-learning company, today announced the appointment of Ferdinand von Prondzynski to the SmartForce Board of Directors. Prof von Prondzynski is currently the President of Dublin City University, one of Ireland's leading higher education institutions, with a special focus on technology and science.

With teaching experience spanning more than two decades, Prof von Prondzynski has served as Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Hull, England, and as the Head of the School of Business Studies and a lecturer in Industrial Relations at Trinity College Dublin. Under his tenure, the Law School at Hull developed a strong reputation as a research center and the Business School established offices and distance teaching locations around the world. He became President of DCU in 2000, and he has initiated a major drive to commercialise the university and allow it to become a key driver of Irish economic and industrial development.

In addition to his work as DCU president, Prof von Prondzynski has been a member of the European Industrial Relations Observatory and plays a key role as a Director of the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities. He has been the President of the British-American Business Group (North-East) and a Director of the New York chapter of the British-American Business Council, a support organization helping major UK and US companies build and expand their businesses. He also worked for Dresdner Bank AG of Germany.

A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin (BA and LLB), and the University of Cambridge (PhD), Prof von Prondzynski has achieved international acclaim as an authority on employment law and industrial relations with the publication of his book, Employment Law in Ireland, and a number of works on European Community law. He has also been a continuous innovator in the blending of technology-based approaches to education within traditional, institutional learning models.

"Having worked tirelessly to strengthen the collaboration between higher education and industry, Ferdinand von Prondzynski has made a commitment to promoting distance learning within DCU through partnerships with SmartForce and other companies", said Greg Priest, chairman and CEO of SmartForce. "The achievements of DCU and its standing as one of the leading Irish educational institutions speak to his success as a president and as a leader. We are pleased that Ferdinand has decided to join our Board of Directors and look forward to the leadership and guidance he will add to our continued success".

ENDS

For further details:
Eilis O'Brien700 5217 or 087 2057125