Mr. Kumar to oversee firm’s information technology strategy

PITTSBURGH, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting and advisory services, today announced that the firm has named Devendra Kumar Chief Information Officer (CIO).  In this role, Mr. Kumar will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s information technology (IT) strategy and ensuring that Michael Baker’s technology infrastructure aligns with the company’s goals. He will lead the Information Technology Services (ITS) team and continue to drive the firm’s use of disruptive technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools while planning and implementing innovative digital transformation initiatives. Additionally, he will prioritize data security and compliance efforts across Michael Baker’s business.

“At Michael Baker, we are focused on accelerating excellence across our company. By combining our firm’s diverse services with the latest technology and working as One Michael Baker, we are driving meaningful innovation, streamlining processes and delivering results that truly push boundaries for our clients,” said Brian A. Lutes, CEO at Michael Baker International. “In the three years since Devendra has joined Michael Baker, he has collaborated with colleagues across the enterprise and with key partners to develop strategies for digital transformation, automation and data. I look forward to partnering with Devendra as we leverage transformative technology to shape the future of our company and our nation’s infrastructure.”

Mr. Kumar has nearly 30 years of IT experience in optimizing and transforming businesses through the innovative use of digital technologies and creating differentiating business solutions. He joined Michael Baker in 2022 and most recently served as Interim CIO. During his tenure with Michael Baker, Mr. Kumar led digital initiatives including developing an AI-powered proposals chatbot and establishing a user community for Power BI and M365 Copilot, among other projects. Before joining Michael Baker, Mr. Kumar served as Head of Digital Office for Black & Veatch Corporation, where he was responsible for establishing and defining digital practices and delivering complex digital products and solutions to business and internal clients, including customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) modernization and Finance and human resources (HR) process improvements, among others.

Mr. Kumar holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, consulting and advisory services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA). The firm’s Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For 85 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

The company has more than 4,900 employees across more than 90 office locations. Michael Baker’s Wolf Pack is committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while evolving its business to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

Contact:  Julia Covelli
julia.covelli@mbakerintl.com
(866) 293-4609

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SOURCE Michael Baker International

NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 /CNW/ — Marking its 10th anniversary, Omegarender continues to set the global standard in architectural visualization with its unique fusion of timeless photorealism and design innovation.

Since its founding, Omegarender has helped architects, developers, and marketers bring unbuilt spaces to life—transforming ideas into emotionally resonant 3D visuals. From intimate interiors and product showcases to landmark towers and large-scale resorts, the studio’s AI-enhanced, design-driven approach ensures every project achieves visual impact and narrative clarity.

In 2024, Omegarender completed 444 global projects and delivered over 3,155 images — averaging 270 per month. Notable milestones include 83 projects in the United States, 625 images produced for a single client, and 180 images created for one large-scale project. The company gained 78 new clients and expanded its portfolio across 40+ countries.

Omegarender’s services include:

Architectural Visualization – High-end renderings of exteriors, interiors, and site plans, emphasizing materiality, lighting, and atmosphere.VR/AR Experiences – Immersive 360° tours and walkthroughs, helping clients experience spaces before construction.3D Animation – Cinematic motion graphics for architecture, products, and branding presentations.

“The future of architecture is not just in blueprints; it’s in breathtaking textures within visuals that bring ideas to life before a single brick is laid,” said Artem Kupriianenko, Founder of Omegarender. “Our commitment to achieving unparalleled photorealism, meticulous attention to detail, from shades to light — we take into account everything and that has positioned Omegarender as an industry leader.”

Omegarender’s expertise is trusted by top global firms, including Gensler, Perkins & Will, HOK, OBMI, Rockwell Group, Perkins Eastman, HKS, Avroko, Jones Lang LaSalle and Populous.

In response to increasing demand in the Middle East, the company opened a new regional office in Dubai, strengthening collaborations with leading developers such as Emaar, NEOM, Killa Design, Dar Global, Nshama, and Stickman Tribe. This strategic move solidifies Omegarender’s role in setting new standards for visualization in architecture and real estate across the Middle East.

As Omegarender enters its second decade, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of 3D rendering and digital storytelling, it remains the architect of imagination, shaping the future of architectural visualization with unmatched realism and innovation.

For more information, visit www.omegarender.com.

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SOURCE Omegarender

New Cboe FTSE Bitcoin Index futures begin trading on Cboe Futures ExchangeProduct adds to Cboe’s bitcoin product suite, accompanying spot bitcoin ETFs and bitcoin ETF index optionsOffers cash-settlement, eliminating complexities of physically delivering bitcoin at expiration

CHICAGO, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world’s leading derivatives and securities exchange network, announced it has begun to offer trading in its new Cboe FTSE Bitcoin Index futures. These new cash-settled futures, based on the FTSE Bitcoin Reduced Value Index[1] (Ticker: XBTF), are the latest addition to Cboe’s growing suite of digital asset derivatives.

Exclusively listed on Cboe Futures Exchange, LLC (CFE), the new XBTF futures are expected to provide market participants with another versatile tool to express views on bitcoin or manage risk. XBTF futures are cash-settled contracts, meaning positions are closed in cash at expiration, removing the complexities of physically delivering bitcoin.

“As customer demand for crypto-based derivatives continues to rise, Cboe is committed to building a well-rounded ecosystem to help facilitate more efficient, flexible access to bitcoin exposure and risk management,” said Catherine Clay, Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe. “Our launch of the new Cboe FTSE Bitcoin Index Futures adds a key building block to our crypto derivatives toolkit — offering market participants another versatile tool to gain and seek to hedge bitcoin exposure, all within a regulated and transparent marketplace, with centralized clearing.” 

The introduction of XBTF futures follows Cboe’s earlier launch of cash-settled options on the Cboe Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index (Tickers: CBTX and MBTX), creating a complementary suite of bitcoin-related index derivatives products. Cboe expects each product can be a useful tool for managing bitcoin volatility on its own, or both products can be used in tandem to execute more advanced trading strategies.  Additionally, XBTF futures are cleared through OCC, which also clears CBTX and MBTX options.

Commenting on the launch, Barak Capital said: “As investor participation in digital assets has grown and become more institutionalized, the ability to access efficient and stable markets is paramount. As a leading market maker, the Barak Capital group has been an established liquidity provider for Cboe’s markets for years.  We look forward to acting as a liquidity provider in Cboe FTSE Bitcoin Index futures and to supporting Cboe’s market in this product.”

Tom Chlada, Chief Operating Officer at Prime Trading, LLC, said: “Prime Trading, LLC is excited to support Cboe’s continued expansion of its crypto derivatives product suite and to act as a liquidity provider in the new XBTF futures. We are strongly aligned with Cboe’s efforts to grow the crypto derivatives market and look forward to working with Cboe to provide its customers with a best-in-class trading experience.”

XBTF futures are settled in the afternoon (P.M) on the last business day of each month. They are based on the XBTF Index – developed by FTSE Russell in collaboration with Digital Asset Research – which represents 1/10th the value of the FTSE Bitcoin Index. For more information on the new Cboe FTSE Bitcoin Index futures, visit Cboe’s website.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world’s leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing, and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com.

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Cboe®, Cboe Global Markets®, CFE®, and Cboe Futures Exchange® are registered trademarks or service marks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Trading in futures and options on futures is not suitable for all market participants and involves the risk of loss, which can be substantial and can exceed the amount of money deposited for a futures or options on futures position. You should, therefore, carefully consider whether trading in futures and options on futures is suitable for you in light of your circumstances and financial resources. You should put at risk only funds that you can afford to lose without affecting your lifestyle. For additional information regarding the risks associated with trading futures and options on futures and with trading security futures, see respectively the Risk Disclosure Statement Referenced in CFTC Letter 16-82 and the Risk Disclosure Statement for Security Futures Contracts. Certain risks associated with options, futures, and options on futures and certain disclosures relating to information provided regarding these products are also highlighted at https://www.cboe.com/us disclaimers.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities, futures, digital assets or investments, or third-party products or services. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. is not affiliated with any third parties referenced in this press release. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities, futures, digital assets, and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

Nothing in this announcement should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities, futures, or digital assets in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal or investment advice.  Investors must consult their tax adviser or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.  and  its  affiliates make  no  warranty,  expressed  or  implied,  including,  without  limitation,  any  warranties  as  of  merchantability,  fitness  for  a particular  purpose,  accuracy,  completeness  or  timeliness,  the  results to  be  obtained  by  recipients  of  the  products  and  services  described  herein, or as to the ability of the indices referenced in this press release to track the performance of their respective securities, generally, or the performance of the indices referenced in this press release or any subset of their respective securities, and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies, errors. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates have not calculated, composed or determined the constituents or weightings of the securities that comprise any third-party indices referenced in this press release and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors in any of the indices referenced in this press release.

Russell, Russell 1000®, Russell 2000®, Russell 3000® and Russell MidCap® are registered trademarks of the Frank Russell Company, used under license.

FTSE® and the FTSE indices are trademarks and service marks of FTSE International Limited, used under license.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices; our ability to manage our global operations, growth, and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty, investment, and default risks, associated with operating our  clearinghouses; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing our business interests and our regulatory responsibilities; the loss of key customers or a significant reduction in trading or clearing volumes by key customers; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; the accuracy of our estimates and expectations; and litigation risks and other liabilities. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

[1] Represents 1/10th the value of the FTSE Bitcoin Index.

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SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc.