Sydney, Australia — SAP Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)
has announced the appointment of Allan Fairhurst as General Manager, Southern
Region, in a role that extends the company’s reach.
Previously Managing Director of EDS Financial Services, Fairhurst has
considerable experience within the industry and working at a global level.
Before that, he held a variety of senior management positions with IBM
in Australia, Singapore and his native Canada.
As General Manager of the southern region, Fairhurst will lead the business
of SAP ANZ operations covering Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria
and Tasmania. He will also head up SAP’s Melbourne office.
Fairhurst’s significant experience in leading teams across industries
and borders will strengthen SAP’s capabilities in the Australian market.
His broad business experience will ensure that SAP continually improves
its product and service offerings to all customers.
"This latest appointment is yet another outcome of our intention
to build a strong growth-oriented business, world-class field organisation
and high performance culture," said Geraldine McBride, Chief Executive
Officer and Managing Director, SAP ANZ. "Allan’s extensive leadership
experience in our key markets, combined with his broad business experience
and proven ability to tailor solutions to customer needs, will be a significant
asset as SAP works to further enhance its solutions for customers across
the region."
Fairhurst has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to analyse existing
business models, and to refocus resources in a way that extends market
leadership. In his last role with IBM, Fairhurst led the group’s sales
and business operations on a significant path to growth. Prior to this,
he worked with IBM’s Financial Services business in Singapore, where his
success in supporting key strategic partners helped IBM increase revenues
and grow the market.
Fairhurst will succeed John Dubois in this role. Dubois will be taking
up a new position within SAP Asia and will commence his new role in early
2005.
