CARIS, the leading provider of marine and hydrographic software, has appointed Mark Matthews as Senior Business Developer to focus on fostering business opportunities for the company's complete Ping-to-Chart product line across Asia Pacific.

Prior to joining CARIS, Mark began his career as a Hydrographic Specialist with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Mark joined the RAN in 1985, and specialized as a Hydrographic Surveyor in 1990.

As a junior Hydrographer Mark served on several RAN Hydrographic Survey Ships and also served as the Officer-In-Charge of the Hydrographic Office Detached Survey Unit (HODSU), a role that included challenging surveys in Antarctic waters. In 1998 he completed the Royal Navy Long Hydrographic Course with Distinction before completing his final RAN postings as Commanding Officer of the Survey Ship HMAS MERMAID, as well as Commanding Officer of the RAN Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) Flight.

Mark retired from the RAN in 2003 to join ATLAS Hydrographic, and for the following three years was involved with Business Development, Sales and Support in the Asian region.

In his role as Senior Business Developer, Mark will engage with potential CARIS customers and key business partners at a senior level across the Asia Pacific region to gain a thorough understanding of their businesses and use this knowledge to advise the business development efforts in these markets.

"We are pleased to have Mark on board," said Andy Hoggarth, Marketing & Sales Manager of CARIS. "Since opening our Asia Pacific office earlier this year, we have experienced increasing demand for our software. With a thorough understanding of our markets, we are confident that Mark will expand our ability to pursue opportunities and strengthen our overall position in this region."