NewTek, manufacturer of industry-leading video, 2D and 3D animation products, has announced the promotion of Jim Plant to the posts of president and CEO. Plant joined NewTek as a consultant in February and was named executive vice president of business and strategic development in April. Tim Jenison, NewTek founder, CTO and chairman, has served as the interim president and CEO since early 1998. As president, Plant will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the company's operations. As CEO, he will lead NewTek's executive staff in their ongoing development of products, marketing and corporate growth. Plant served most recently as vice president of marketing communications at Geocast Network System. Prior to Geocast, he was the director of marketing and director of corporate communications at ReplayTV Inc., a digital video recorder company. "Over the many years Jim has been in the 3D and video industries, he has developed a superior knowledge of NewTek's business and the markets we address," said Jenison. "In addition, I believe Jim truly understands our users and has a true dedication to meeting their needs. He has also developed a very exciting vision for NewTek's future, which I strongly support." Plant said, "I've been associated with NewTek in various capacities for almost 10 years now, and what I know to be true is that NewTek has world class technologies, strong, well-known brands, and a great executive team and staff. It's an honor to lead this company and this group of people in their mission to develop and distribute revolutionary visual communication tools."