Nelson brings more than 28 years' experience in all aspects of human resources, including staffing, training, global cultural development and leadership best practice. She will report directly to Openwave's chief executive, Ken Denman.

Most recently Nelson was senior vice-president of human resources for 3Com where she led a global HR team. Prior to 3Com, she was vice president of human resources for Tropos Networks, a market leader in intelligent IP broadband mesh networks.