Kudelski Group, a global leader in digital content distribution and security and in access control security solutions, has announced the opening of a second global headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. This strategic decision brings several key business functions to the North American market and positions the company to capitalize on growth initiatives, while showcasing the high-quality innovation and engineering of its Swiss teams. The Group will retain its corporate headquarters in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland, which will also continue to serve as the company’s center of excellence for security technology research, development and innovation.
“Over the last 65 years, the Kudelski Group has been consistent in its commitment to take the steps necessary to position itself at the forefront of technology and maintain control over its own destiny,” said André Kudelski, Chairman and CEO. “Opening a second Kudelski Group headquarters in Phoenix will provide the Group with better access to the world’s largest market and will enable us to serve more effectively our existing and future customer base in the Americas.”
The Phoenix facility will also act as the headquarters for the Kudelski Group’s cybersecurity business, Kudelski Security, which is led by renowned technology CEO and Arizona resident, Rich A. Fennessy. Kudelski Security is a thought leader in cybersecurity in Europe and plans to officially launch its North American business in August of this year.
The Group’s new Phoenix site will initially occupy 30,000 square feet at 40th Street and Camelback, with future plans to expand. Over the long term, the Kudelski Group plans to hire 200 to 350 high wage positions in the region, with a focus on driving sustainable growth and developing corporate support functions. The Group currently employs more than 3,500 people globally.
Greater Phoenix’s business-friendly environment, proximity to other technology hubs, developed infrastructure and access to highly skilled professionals were key factors that influenced the Group’s decision to locate its second global headquarters in the area. “Since its creation in 1951, the Kudelski Group has been a thought pioneer, and in the 21st century, Arizona is the place of choice for digital-age pioneers,” added André Kudelski.
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) worked together with SelectUSA, a department under the U.S. Department of Commerce created to showcase the United States as the world’s premier business location and to provide easy access to federal-level programs and services related to business investment, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the city of Phoenix to attract the Kudelski Group to the region.
“The Kudelski Group’s investment in Arizona is further evidence that we are transforming and creating a business environment in this state where companies want to move, expand and thrive,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “A decision like this – to create a headquarters location and hundreds of high wage jobs – signals to businesses everywhere that Arizona offers the perfect platform for growth and success. I am confident that the Kudelski Group will excel here and I thank them for their commitment to our state. Welcome to Arizona!”
“The growing presence of innovative and tech-based companies in the Greater Phoenix region cannot be underscored,” said Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “The region’s large, skilled workforce and supportive business community make an attractive place for businesses to operate. I want to thank Governor Ducey, our partners at SelectUSA, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the city of Phoenix for their coordination in making this a reality; and I welcome the Kudelski Group to Greater Phoenix and look forward to their growth.”
“Following a lengthy selection process, I am thrilled to welcome the Kudelski Group to Arizona’s dynamic and growing technology ecosystem,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "The Kudelski Group’s commitment to Arizona signifies that our state is a true competitor on a global scale. The creation of a 2nd headquarters location in Phoenix is an excellent win for Arizona that will create hundreds of high-wage jobs and significant investment in our community. This project was a true collaborative effort and I’d like to thank our partners for helping bring the Kudelski Group to Arizona.”
“This is a multinational company choosing to create a US headquarters in Phoenix, which just shows how important it is for companies to connect with a community,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “The Kudelski Group and Greater Phoenix made a connection that will create incredible opportunities for our skilled workforce. But just as importantly, their employees relocating from Switzerland will find a welcoming home here with new friends eager to help them make an impact in our community.”
“I am pleased that the Kudelski Group has decided to expand their investment in the United States. Congratulations to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority on their work to bring these jobs to the region,” said Vinai Thummalapally, executive director of SelectUSA. “The United States is home to more foreign direct investment than any other country because of our market size, business climate, and workforce. We’re excited to welcome companies like the Kudelski Group that help drive economic growth, innovation and job creation.”
The Kudelski Group’s technologies are used in a wide range of services and applications requiring access control and rights management. Its three main activity sectors include digital television, cyber security solutions and public access solutions.
For more information on the Kudelski Group, please visit www.nagra.com.
About Kudelski Group
The Kudelski Group is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX:KUD:S). It is a world leader in digital security; its technologies are used in a wide range of services and applications requiring access control and rights management to secure the revenues of content owners and service providers for digital television. The Group also offers cyber security solutions and services focused on helping companies assess risks and vulnerabilities and protect their data and systems. The Kudelski Group is also a technology leader in the area of access control and management of people or vehicles to sites and events. The Kudelski Group is headquartered in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland. For more information, please visit www.nagra.com.
About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
A true public-private partnership, GPEC is the regional economic development organization for Greater Phoenix. Working with its 23 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 170 private investors, GPEC attracts quality businesses to this dynamic region. By creating a high-performance economy through capital investments and jobs, Greater Phoenix companies enjoy a business climate where they can compete and thrive in today's global economy. Since 1989, GPEC has worked to achieve an economically sound and sustainable region. For more information, visit www.gpec.org
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. Visit www.azommerce.com for more information.
About SelectUSA
Housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA promotes and facilitates business investment into the United States by coordinating related federal government agencies to serve as a single point of contact for investors. SelectUSA assists U.S. economic development organizations to compete globally for investment by providing information, a platform for international marketing, and high-level advocacy. SelectUSA also helps investors find the information they need to make decisions; connect to the right people at the local level; navigate the federal regulatory system; and find solutions to issues related to the federal government. Since its inception in 2011, SelectUSA has facilitated more than $19 billion in FDI, which has led to the creation of more than 14,000 jobs. The 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit will take place in Washington, DC from June 19-21. For more information, visit www.selectusa.gov.