[MPEGIF News] Leaving office - thanks!

[Rob Koenen (MPEGIF)]

Dear MPEGIF Members and Commuinity,
As of yesterday's annual MPEGIF member meeting, I have relinquished the
office of President of the MPEG Industry Forum. 
After 5 years of work for the Forum, of which four years as its President
since the official incorporation of M4IF in the year 2000, it is now time to
again divert my full attention to my "day job".
It has been an honor for me to serve as your President for the last 4 years.
>From an idea born during an MPEG meeting in Seoul, March 1999, as the
"MPEG-4 Users Forum", to the official incorporation of M4IF in Geneva in
July 2000 and the expansion to the MPEG Industry Forum in 2003, the Forum
has come a long way. Membership has grown to over 100 members, and we
weathered the downturn of 2001 where other, similar efforts suffered. 
The Forum is now at a critical juncture. Much has happened in the
marketplace over the last year, and the Forum must now step up the
activities in order to achieve its goals. MPEGIF's Board of Directors has
recognized this, and a coherent plan of action has been drafted that was
accepted at the member meeting. 
The plan calls for rapid finalization of the Logo program and a vigorous
marketing effort focused on AVC through September. Also, changes are afoot
in the way MPEGIF manages its day-to-day operations. In this way, MPEGIF
will start enhancing the value of MPEGIF membership and based on that, we
are confident we can grow the membership as well as additional resources for
an even more active role on the promotion and deployment of MPEG technology,
services and content. 
I am very confident that with the current, fresh leadership -- and with your
help -- MPEGIF will be able to carry out this plan of action. I am stepping
down knowing the Forum is in the right track.
My departure is one of mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is a relief that
I can pass on the the day-to-day responsibilities. On the other hand, MPEGIF
is a great community to work in, with a dynamic and crucial year ahead of
it.
I would like to thank all of you who have contributed to MPEGIF's goals, and
all the people with whom I have had the pleasure to interact in my MPEGIF
role.
Kind Regards,
Rob Koenen
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