LizardTech hires new CEO

Seattle-based imaging technology company LizardTech Inc. has hired Bill Patterson as its new president and chief executive officer. Patterson replaces John "Grizz" Deal, former CEO and company founder, who will focus on strategic business partnerships.

Patterson was president and chief operating officer of Crossport Systems and an executive vice president at Attachmate, where he managed more than 800 sales, marketing, customer support and services staff.

Last November, LizardTech raised $25 million from an investor group led by Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. Mitsubishi also was to partner with LizardTech to pursue product and market opportunities in Japan and other parts of Asia.

Other investors in the financing were Oak Investment Partners, Encompass Ventures, SeaPoint Ventures, Digital Partners, Summit Ventures, Kirlan Ventures, Zeron Group and several private shareholders. LizardTech's imaging software allows for simplified and enhanced distribution, management and control of digital images and documents.