AI for the future from the pioneers of streaming media

Since founding RealNetworks in 1994, Rob Glaser has presided over the launch of innovative new technology and services — from RealAudio, the first commercial audio streaming solution for the internet, in 1995 to SAFR in 2018. Prior to founding RealNetworks, Glaser worked for Microsoft for 10 years in executive positions, including Vice President of Multimedia and Consumer Systems.

A skilled business leader with more than 25 years of experience in strategy, finance, and operations. Mike Ensing joined RealNetworks as interim CFO and strategic advisor before coming on permanently as COO and President in 2020. Previously, Ensing served as CFO of Savers/Value Village, COO and CFO at Knowledge Universe, and in several executive finance roles at Microsoft. Earlier in his career Mike served in consulting capacities with both Deloitte Consulting and McKinsey & Company.

In addition to oversight of corporate-wide technology initiatives, CTO Reza Rassool drives machine learning and video IP developments. An innovator and advocate in the field of ethics in AI, Rassool holds many patents and continues to lead SAFR towards next-generation innovations in computer vision. Before joining RealNetworks in 2016, Rassool founded Kwaai Oak, and served in technical leadership roles at Zya and Widevine Technologies, both of which were acquired by Google.

Joining RealNetworks in 2021, Charlie is responsible for SAFR’s growth across Europe. Charlie has more than 9 years of experience with video analytics and facial recognition in the security industry, with his previous role being the Head of Sales for EMEA at Ipsotek. Charlie also spent 5 years based in the Middle East where he was involved in major video analytics and facial recognition deployments for airports and government projects.

Noriaki Takamura joined RealNetworks in 2017 and manages SAFR’s ambitious business growth across APAC with special focus on Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and Indonesia. With 30 years of direct sales, distribution, marketing, and management experience, previously, Takamura held executive positions at Schneider Electrics and Rittal Corporation, as well as sales leadership positions at Cisco Systems.

Walter Candelu joined the SAFR Team in 2020 to drive its growing sales and business development initiatives across the Middle East and Africa Region. Prior to joining SAFR, he held senior positions with leading security companies where he successfully drove the exponential growth of their technical capabilities and revenue.

Milko Boic has served as lead for several video technology initiatives in his 20 years at RealNetworks, including leading research and development for SAFR. Awarded with eight patents, Boic has previously led development of embedded software for computer vision guided semiconductor assembly equipment at Kulicke and Soffa Industries, and taught graduate level courses in Computer Science.

Lead for SAFR product strategy, Eric Hess is a well-known expert in the use of video analytics and facial recognition for security, investigations, and identity authentication. Hess previously served as Senior Director of Video Analytics for IDEMIA, in senior sales and product positions at MorphoTrak and NEC, and was a past Chair of the Advances in Biometric Technology working group of the International Biometrics Identification Association. Hess is an IEEE Certified Biometrics Professional and was a police officer at the Port of Seattle Police Department.