Walker's chief joins brother

By CHRIS BARTON

Chief executive Paul Ryan has quit Walker Wireless to work fulltime for the software company Plato CIS (clinical information system) started by his brother Dr John Ryan.

Mr Ryan, who has invested in Plato, leaves Walker Wireless at the end of June and will initially work from Britain, where Plato is on the verge of securing £1 million ($3.37 million) from an unnamed venture capital partner.

Plato's clinical auditing software stores operating notes and patient records for several medical specialties, including orthopaedic, maternity and general medicine. It is used by 11 New Zealand w hospitals and two in Britain.

Mr Ryan believes Plato can capture 10 per cent of the £700 million British market within 18 months and plans to pursue business in Europe and the United States, where Plato holds patents.

Plato employs five software developers locally, and will remain a New Zealand company.

Former Xtra chief executive Bob Smith, a Walker board member for over a year, takes over the top job.

Mr Ryan began his nine-year stint with sister company Walker Datavision, moving over to head Walker Wireless during its set-up phase 18 months ago.

Last July, Stephen Tindall, Craig Heatley and the Todd Corporation provided backing of $20 million. Walker's network now offers fixed wireless bandwidth in nine centres.