Mark Powell

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, an industry consortium headquartered in the Seattle region, this morning named a new executive director, wireless veteran Mark Powell, who will oversee efforts to push the short-range wireless technology into new settings and applications.

Powell, previously an executive with Kineto Wireless, which he co-founded in 2001, has worked in the past for Motorola and Nokia. He replaces Mike Foley, the longtime executive director of the Bluetooth group who previously announced his intention to transition out of the role.

In a news release, the Kirkland-based group says Powell will oversee efforts to create new uses for Bluetooth in areas including health and wellness, sports and fitness, and smart homes, while also expanding its use in consumer electronics, computers, cars and mobile devices.

“Over the last ten years, I have been closely watching the remarkable growth and development of Bluetooth technology. It is amazing how the technology has become so widespread in such a short amount of time,” says Powell. “And while Bluetooth is a household brand name worldwide, the really exciting thing for me is that this technology can do so much more. I am looking forward to working with our over 16,000 members to grow Bluetooth to its full potential, tapping into new markets while continuing to advance in markets we already serve. Even at over seven billion Bluetooth units shipped to date, we’ve just scratched the surface.”

Previously on GeekWire: Geek of the Week: Mike Foley, Bluetooth leader, prepares for a new chapter

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