BEDFORD, Mass., March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in delivering robotic technology-based solutions, today announced that Michael Bell has been appointed to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. He will stand for election at the upcoming iRobot Annual Meeting of Shareholders along with Mohamad Ali. George McNamee will retire from the Board following the end of his term at the Annual Meeting. The Board has also named Deborah Ellinger as Lead Independent Director, effective immediately.

As a pioneer in the "Internet of Things," Mr. Bell is an innovative product-oriented executive who brings iRobot significant software and technology expertise. He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a Board Member, of Silver Spring Networks (NYSE: SSNI), a leading networking platform and solutions provider for smart energy networks based in Redwood City, CA, a position he has held since September 2015. Mr. Bell has been deeply involved in the development of several market-making technology products in senior leadership positions at Apple, Palm and Intel. Notably, he was responsible for founding and developing a new group at Intel focused on smart technology and connected devices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania.

"We are excited to welcome Michael Bell to our Board," said Ms. Ellinger. "Michael is a seasoned executive who has extensive experience in software and consumer technology. He is a true leader in connected technology and the Internet of Things, which is increasingly critical to iRobot's go-forward product strategy."

Mr. Bell said, "iRobot has the leading in-home robot market position and a unique platform to take advantage of the rapidly evolving market for connected devices. I am excited to help iRobot further develop and differentiate its product offering to benefit both customers and shareholders. This is an exciting time for iRobot, and I am pleased to join the team."

Ms. Ellinger added, "On behalf of the entire Board, we want to thank George for his leadership and insights, and wish George well in his retirement."

Corporate Governance Enhancements

In addition, iRobot announced the following corporate governance enhancements:

• Declassification of the Board: iRobot will seek shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting to declassify its Board of Directors.
• Adoption of Proxy Access for Shareholders: iRobot has amended its bylaws to provide proxy access for eligible iRobot shareholders. iRobot's bylaws now allow holders of at least three percent of iRobot's stock who have held the shares for at least three years to include nominees for iRobot's Board of Directors in the Company's proxy materials.
• Elimination of Supermajority Voting Requirements: iRobot will seek shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting to eliminate supermajority voting requirements in its governing documents relating to removal of directors and amendments to iRobot's certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
• Codification of Lead Independent Director: iRobot has amended its bylaws to codify that a Lead Independent Director will be appointed when the Company's CEO is also its Chairman. iRobot has had a Lead Independent Director since its 2005 IPO.

About iRobot Corp.
iRobot designs and builds robots that empower people to do more. The company's home robots help people find smarter ways to clean and accomplish more in their daily lives. Its remote presence robots enable virtual presence from anywhere in the world. iRobot's portfolio of solutions feature proprietary technologies for the connected home and advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.

For iRobot Investors
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to iRobot Corporation's expectations concerning management's plans, objectives and strategies and its upcoming 2016 annual meeting of stockholders. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot, see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Important Stockholder Information
iRobot Corporation ("iRobot" or the "Company") plans to file with the SEC and mail to its stockholders a proxy statement and a white proxy card in connection with the Company's 2016 Annual Meeting. The proxy statement will contain important information about the Company, the 2016 Annual Meeting and related matters.

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

The proxy statement and other relevant solicitation materials (when they become available), and any and all documents filed by the Company with the SEC, may be obtained by investors and security holders free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.  In addition, the Company's filings with the SEC, including the proxy statement and other relevant solicitation materials (when they become available), may be obtained, without charge, from the Company by directing a request to the Company at 8 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730, Attention: Investor Relations. Such materials are also available at www.irobot.com.

Certain Information Concerning Participants
The Company and its directors and officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's stockholders in connection with the 2016 Annual Meeting. Information about the Company's directors and executive officers and their ownership of the Company's common stock will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Company's 2016 Annual Meeting, which will be filed with the SEC. Stockholders may obtain additional information regarding the interests of the Company and its directors and executive officers by reading the proxy statement and other relevant solicitation materials (when they become available).

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SOURCE iRobot Corp.