Biometric ID Provider BIO-key Names Accomplished International Mobility and Software Technology Executive Pieter Knook to Its Board

WALL, NJ--(Marketwired - May 2, 2016) - BIO-key International, Inc. (OTCQB: BKYI), an innovative provider of biometric software and hardware solutions for stronger user authentication, today announced the appointment of Pieter Knook to BIO-key's Board of Directors. The addition enhances the global presence of BIO-key's board to three internationally based directors and expands the board to eight members.

Mr. Knook is a broadly skilled senior executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in Mobility and Software technology in Europe, Asia and America. He was previously Director of Internet service at Vodafone, UK, following 18 years at Microsoft, where he served as one of the company's top 25 executives. As President of Microsoft Asia from 1997 to 2001, Mr. Knook led the company's efforts in opening and expanding in Asian markets. As SVP of Microsoft's Mobile Communication Business from 2001 to 2008, he transformed a struggling business and led it to 40% annual revenue growth, including the development of a new mobile platform business with sales of more than 20 million units a year.

Mike DePasquale, Chairman & CEO of BIO-key, commented, "We are thrilled to have someone with Pieter's experience and track record join our Board. With the addition of Pieter, who is located in the UK, we now have a worldwide presence with two Directors in Asia, one in the UK and the remaining members in the US, a clear testament to the emerging global footprint of our business. Pieter's experience can immediately add value to BIO-key's current marketing alliance with Microsoft as well as our efforts to expand our footprint in both Europe and Asia."

Mr. Knook said, "I am honored to join BIO-key at this very exciting time. I look forward to supporting their expansion efforts, including their recently established Hong Kong subsidiary and the development of mobile technology that utilizes the security and convenience of fingerprint biometrics."

"Pieter brings strong enterprise business and technology leadership experience," said Tom Gilley, BIO-key Director and Chair of the Board's nomination committee. "I have personal Board experience with Pieter and am really pleased he has agreed to join the BIO-key Board."

Mr. Knook is also on the Board of Directors of TDC, a leading communications and Pay-TV solutions provider in Denmark, First Utility, the UK's leading independent energy provider, and Pulsant, a UK-based cloud solutions provider. Mr. Knook earned an M.A. degree in Electrical Sciences from Cambridge University, UK.