VKernel Corporation, a provider of easy–to–use and quick–to–deploy virtual server management and optimization solutions, today announced that Kevin Conklin has joined the company as vice president of product management and marketing. A 30–year high–tech industry veteran with proven success in the development and implementation of strategic marketing programs and communications, Conklin comes to VKernel from his most recent position as vice president of marketing at Mazu Networks.

“Kevin Conklin brings his extensive experience at start–ups as well as established enterprises where his marketing skills have taken companies to the next level,” said Alex Bakman, founder and CEO of VKernel. “Kevin’s command of demand generation, lead management, channel marketing, and product marketing will help VKernel achieve our important growth milestones in delivering our innovative capacity optimization solutions for the virtual data center.”

During his tenure as vice president of marketing at Mazu Networks, Conklin was focused on repositioning the company to take advantage of its unique market differentiators. In one year, his efforts led to a 50 percent increase in quarterly revenue resulting in Mazu’s acquisition by Riverbed Technology. Previously, Conklin was the chief marketing officer for SMARTS where he led an effort to refocus marketing messaging and expand channel and partner programs. SMARTS was acquired by EMC. He was also the executive vice president of marketing and business development for Concord Communications which was widely recognized as the market share leader in a field of over 20 network management vendors. Concord was acquired by CA.

“VKernel is an extremely impressive startup company that is gaining significant traction in a high–growth market by giving customers a significant return on their virtualization investment,” said Conklin. “I am very excited about working with my new colleagues at VKernel to help take the company to its next goal as we strive to be the leader in affordable virtualization management and optimization solutions.”