Krieke exits Samsung as Serra returns

Samsung has retrenched its IT chief, Norm Krieke, as part of a restructure of its management team.

Krieke has spent the last six-and-a-half years with Samsung, initially as IT general manager before becoming sales director for CE and IT in 2005. Following what he claimed was a disappointing year for IT sales, he took up a position as director of IT for sales and marketing in 2007.

"The managing director decided to restructure the team differently to what it has been in the past, so I'm finishing up today," he said.

Samsung pulled its notebooks out of the Australian market last year. According to Krieke, plans to re-launch notebooks this year have been shelved.

His last stint was Krieke's second tour of duty with Samsung. He spent five years as a marketing manager for the vendor's CE division before joining Optus and then Siemens' mobile phone business.

Krieke said he will weigh up his options before making a decision about his next career move.

"I have a real fondness for the IT industry, so it will be my first preference," he said.

The news of Krieke's departure coincides with the return of Joe Serra to Samsung as national monitors manager. Serra was previously national IT sales manager before quitting and joining Panasonic in December 2006.

In his new role, Serra will work with Samsung's retail and reseller partners on product roadmaps and marketing campaigns to help grow marketshare.

"I am thrilled to be returning to Samsung and believe our quality product offering will continue to demonstrate market leadership," he said in a statement.

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