INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) announced today that the board of directors has appointed the Honorable Tom Ridge to serve as a Class III director. Mr. Ridge is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ridge Global, an international strategic consulting firm, headquartered in Washington, DC. Ridge was the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Ridge was one of the first Vietnam combat veterans elected to Congress, where he served from 1982 to 1994.

"Tom Ridge brings a significant amount of additional depth and experience to the Board and I am delighted that he is joining us," said Robert J. Laikin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "His expertise in risk management and global trade security are particularly valuable to Brightpoint and our vendors and customers."

"Secretary Ridge's experience as an innovative leader will serve Brightpoint well as it continues its growth in the dynamic wireless communications industry," stated Jerre L. Stead, Lead Independent Director.

"Brightpoint's cost-effective, inventive and customizable solutions have made it a go-to resource in today's hotly competitive wireless industry," said Secretary Ridge. "I look forward to working with Brightpoint as it continues to expand the possibilities of this vast and rapidly changing market."

About Tom Ridge

Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. During his tenure, Secretary Ridge worked with more than 180,000-plus employees from a combined 22 agencies to create an agency that facilitated the flow of people and goods, instituted layered security at air, land and seaports, developed a unified national response and recovery plan, protected critical infrastructure, integrated new technology and improved information sharing worldwide. Tom Ridge served as Secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005. Twice elected as Governor of Pennsylvania, Governor Ridge's aggressive technology strategy helped fuel the state's advances in economic development, education, health care and the environment.

About Brightpoint, Inc.

Brightpoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:CELL) is a global leader in the distribution of wireless devices and in providing customized logistic services to the wireless industry. In 2008, Brightpoint handled approximately 84 million wireless devices globally.