Novell Appoints Tom Francese to Lead European Operations

Novell Appoints Tom Francese to Lead European Operations

Novell, Inc. today announced that Thomas Francese, a 30 year veteran of the technology industry, has been appointed president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, for Novell. Francese will report to Ron Hovsepian, executive vice president and president, Worldwide Field Operations. Francese will also become a member of Novell’s worldwide management committee.

Francese, 55, was most recently vice president, Software Group, EMEA, for IBM. A long-time IBM veteran, Francese has held positions in sales, sales management and operations over a 30 year career, including vice president, Software Group Sales for the central region in the Americas, vice president, Worldwide Financial Services Industry Sales, vice president, Worldwide Sales and Support, Networking Computing Software, and director of Enterprise Sales, London. Francese’s career started with IBM in 1974 as a sales account manager in Houston, Texas.

“Tom’s vast experience in sales, general management and operations, as well as his years of experience leading teams in Europe, will provide Novell with strong leadership in the region,” said Hovsepian. “I am thrilled to have someone of Tom’s caliber join the Novell leadership team.” “Novell is the leading company dedicated to helping companies define and build an IT infrastructure based on open standards and open source, two key factors driving technology today,” said Francese. “I am looking forward to working with our strong team in EMEA to grow our business in the region and to contribute to our customers’ and Novell’s overall success.”

Read the complete Press Release