Black is New President at Horizon DCS

Lance Black will assume the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of Horizon Data Center Services, the colocation and managed services provider said yesterday. Effective immediately, Black will take over day-to-day responsibility for operations, well as sales and marketing functions and employee development. He will also be responsible for continuity and development of Horizon's key vendor and partner relationships, such as with data center developers Digital Realty Trust and PowerLoft.

Black was previously executive VP of operations at Horizon. He was a co-founder of Mareechi, which was
acquired by Horizon in early 2009. In his new role, Black will focus on delivering new managed services products, building out Horizon’s cloud computing offerings, and building a new NOC and selecting new office space to consolidate Horizon’s Dallas offices into one location.

"We’ve been impressed with Lance Black and his ability to collaborate and build win-win relationships with our customers, vendors and partners, as well as his ability to provide internal thought leadership regarding the direction of Horizon," said Steve Chancellor, Horizon board member. "As we position the company to achieve our growth plans, we’re extremely confident in his ability to lead the team to deliver those results."

Chuck Smith, a Horizon co-founder, will now report to Lance Black. Working closely with Mr. Black, he will continue to set the strategic and visionary direction for Horizon for new product and customized client solution development. He will continue to be responsible for top line revenue growth and revenue diversification, including maturation of alternative sales channels, such as real estate brokers who specialize in mission-critical facilities.

CEO Lance Smith will turn his attention to financing the growth of Horizon, as well as strategic mergers and acquisitions, in support of the previously announced "tri-coastal" strategy that calls for colocation data centers in each of the three national power grids, as well as potential new locations in Internet data center markets.

“Our commitment to the original business model remains firm, and these changes reinforce the commitment," said Smith. "Our company has grown in talent and capacity over the past two years and we are ready to see our early vision fulfilled. This structure will play a key part in making that happen."