PLEASANTON, CA —TUV Rheinland North America is expanding its services in wireless information and communications technologies (ICT) with the addition of Ivaylo (Val) Tankov. Tankov joins TÜV Rheinland’s Pleasanton, Calif., office, bringing extensive experience working with global companies in the area of telecommunications.

In his new role as Director of Competent Center, Wireless ICT, Tankov will help lead TÜV Rheinland into a new chapter of professional services, focusing on ICT and use of licensed and unlicensed wireless technologies in manufacturing, commercial products, consumer electronics and healthcare sectors. Tankov will manage the service portfolio in the US and will also collaborate with TÜV Rheinland labs around the world for a cohesive industry program and enhanced service for international clients.

“Val’s addition to the team will allow us to add further value to our clients,” said Sarb Shelopal, director of Business Field, Electrical, at TUV Rheinland North America. “Our customers need us to be experts in wireless technology and the certification and regulatory process, and Val’s strong wireless and telecom knowledge from the manufacturer’s perspective will help us provide enhanced service to our clients as well as help us grow our business.”

Prior to joining TÜV Rheinland, Tankov served as compliance manager for Aruba Networks, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Proxim Wireless, Milpitas, Calif. He was responsible for the international and global approvals of the company products, led compliance teams and assisted product development, hardware and software teams to achieve full compliance for indoor and outdoor radio and ITE products.

In addition to his experience with manufacturers, Tankov worked with a variety of international regulators to define and clarify compliance requirements for radio, wireless and mobile products, and implement technical regulations into portfolios of testing service providers, including The British Approvals Board for Telecommunications, Elliott Laboratories and CETECOM.