Technology >> CEO Interviews >> July 24, 2000
Edward W. Sample joined Piranha as CEO after a 29-year career with $30
billion retailer JCPenney. Most recently Mr. Sample directed JCPenney's
participation in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) News in
the Future consortium, which provided a forum for the MIT Media
Laboratory and member companies to explore the latest news collection
and production technologies. Mr. Sample is also credited with a number
of technology 'firsts' at JCPenney. In 1999, the company unveiled the
'World's First Commercial Electronic Ink Display' (USA Today, 5/3/99).
In addition, he directed the introduction of the industry's first Web-
based kiosk system and implemented one of the country's largest distance
learning systems. He also introduced a digital imaging capture system
for the retailer's enormous merchandise operation and directed an
international digital image transmission system for merchandise
procurement. And in 1992, Mr. Sample supervised the commercial
introduction of the Sony SEPS 2000 camera, which utilized HDTV
technology for the first time at JCPenney. Profile
Mr. Sample: Piranha was started on December 8, 1999. It merged with an
existing public shell that had basically been dormant since 1996.
