Parallels, which makes desktop virtualization software for running Windows on Macs, has appointed Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s former senior vice president of software engineering, to its board as a non-executive director.
He was known as the “father of Mac OS X” during his tenure at Apple.
Serlet, who left Apple in 2011 after 14 years at the company, says in a news release that he came to know and appreciate Parallels’ executive team during his tenure at Apple, when Parallels emerged as a leading provider of desktop virtualization software for running Windows on Macs.
“I look forward to drawing on my career at Apple to help guide Parallels as it continues on its impressive growth trajectory,” says Serlet.
The privately held company, based in Renton, Wash., says Serlet will bring unique insights that should help Parallels accelerate its growth. The company, led by former Microsoft exec Birger Steen, has been on a path to an IPO and last year beefed up its financial and technical leadership.
“Bertrand is the rare combination of a software visionary and master of execution,” says Steen. “We’re thrilled to be bringing his world-class experience and expertise to Parallels as the company continues its fast-paced growth and global expansion.”
Serlet has reportedly been working on a new cloud computing startup called Upthere with other former Apple employees.
Parallels has more than 900 employees in North America, Europe and Asia. Its products include automation tools for cloud computing and hosting providers, which account for a large chunk of its business.
However, Parallels is better known for its desktop virtualization software. The company recently announced support for Apple’s Retina Display. Here’s a video of the Retina Display support in action …
