Aware Appoints Seasoned Security Executive Ajay Amlani as CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth and Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

Aware Inc. (NASDAQ: AWRE) has appointed Ajay Amlani as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Robert Eckel who retired in late 2024. Amlani brings nearly two decades of experience in government, private sector innovation, and identity technology.

Prior to joining Aware, Amlani served as Head of the Americas at iProov and held senior positions at Idemia. His background includes founding the company that became CLEAR, which now serves over 10 million Americans, and YOU Technology, a mobile-first identity platform serving 180 million Americans. He also worked at the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit and was one of the early founders of the Department of Homeland Security.

The appointment follows an extensive international search process, with Aware's Board Chairman highlighting Amlani's deep industry expertise, visionary leadership, and track record of building and scaling impactful platforms as key factors in his selection.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced CEO with proven track record in identity technology and security
• New CEO's extensive background in both government and private sector innovation
• Previous success in founding and scaling major identity platforms (CLEAR, YOU Technology)

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – AWRE

+4.29%

+4.29% Session move

In the trading session that priced this news, AWRE gained 4.29%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

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BURLINGTON, Mass., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aware, Inc. (NASDAQ: AWRE), a leading global authentication company, today announces Ajay Amlani as its new Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive international search process. Amlani replaces Robert Eckel, who retired from Aware in late 2024.

Amlani brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of government, private sector innovation, and cutting-edge identity technology to drive Aware’s growth.

Most recently, Amlani served as Head of the Americas at iProov, a 200+ person digital identity company based in London. From 2019 through 2021, Amlani held roles as Idemia’s SVP of Corporate Strategy and Development and GM of Commercial Business, where he established the company’s first-ever partnerships with the largest mobile handset/operating system manufacturers, fintech companies, mobile wallets, and shared economy/e-commerce companies. Amlani served in the U.S. government between 2016 and 2019, first under Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and then under Secretary James Mattis, to launch the Defense Innovation Unit, the first Silicon Valley-based unit of the Department of Defense established to modernize our military with better technology.

Notably, Amlani founded and developed several identity platforms. He cofounded the original company that went on to become CLEAR, which now serves more than 10 million Americans with airport fast-line and identity verification services, and YOU Technology, a mobile-first, retailer-focused identity and loyalty platform serving 180 million Americans with personalized digital savings. In 2003, Amlani was one of the early founders of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Together with an exceptional team, the organization has successfully safeguarded the nation, preventing any major terrorist incidents on U.S. soil since its inception.

“From these cumulative experiences, I have developed an intense personal interest, desire and enthusiasm to address identity issues in society,” said Amlani. “Today, biometrics are at a critical inflection point, reaching widespread societal acceptance as consumers realize it is possible and highly liberating to achieve the holy grail of convenience combined with superior security. At Aware, I will help tip the scales further in the direction of biometric authentication, a simple yet elegant solution to the very complex, multi-faceted challenge of assuring and protecting digital identity.”

Brent P. Johnstone, Chairman of the Board at Aware commented: “After an extensive and highly competitive selection process, we are thrilled to welcome Amlani as our next CEO. His deep industry expertise, visionary leadership, and relentless focus on innovation set him apart. From his founding of the entity that became CLEAR to redefining how retailers connect with customers through digital identity and loyalty at YOU Technology, Ajay has a history of building and scaling platforms that make a real impact. His track record of growing innovative products, companies, and organizations has improved the lives of millions, and we’re confident he’ll bring that same energy and vision to help Aware reach new heights.”

About Aware
Aware is a global biometric platform company that uses data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to tackle everyday business and identity challenges through biometrics. For over 30 years we’ve been a trusted name in the field. Aware’s offerings address the growing challenges that government and commercial enterprises face in knowing, authenticating and securing individuals through frictionless and highly secure user experiences. Our algorithms are based on diverse operational data sets from around the world, and we prioritize making biometric technology in an ethical and responsible manner. Aware is a publicly held company (NASDAQ: AWRE) based in Burlington, Massachusetts. To learn more, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Safe Harbor Warning
Portions of this release contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the expected increase in use of biometric authentication and the expected growth of Aware. Aware wishes to caution you that there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results indicated by such statements. We refer you to the risk factors set forth in the documents Aware files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the section titled Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and other reports and filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT
Company Contact
Delaney Gembis
Aware, Inc.
781-687-0393
marketing@aware.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8222d8bf-a268-4f23-b799-b797fe1f157f

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of Aware (AWRE) and when was he appointed?

Ajay Amlani was appointed as the new CEO of Aware Inc. (AWRE) on February 4, 2025, replacing Robert Eckel who retired in late 2024.

What is Ajay Amlani's experience in the identity technology sector?

Amlani has nearly two decades of experience, including serving as Head of Americas at iProov, senior roles at Idemia, founding the company that became CLEAR, and creating YOU Technology, which serves 180 million Americans.

What major companies did Aware's new CEO Ajay Amlani previously found?

Amlani co-founded the original company that became CLEAR, now serving over 10 million Americans, and YOU Technology, a mobile-first identity platform serving 180 million Americans.

What government experience does Aware's new CEO have?

Amlani worked at the Defense Innovation Unit under Secretaries of Defense Ash Carter and James Mattis (2016-2019), and was one of the early founders of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003.

What was Ajay Amlani's role at Idemia before joining Aware (AWRE)?

At Idemia (2019-2021), Amlani served as SVP of Corporate Strategy and Development and GM of Commercial Business, establishing partnerships with major mobile manufacturers and fintech companies.