EDS recruits new A/NZ operations chief

Services provider, EDS, has appointed Neil Emerson as its new acting managing director. He replaces Chris Mitchell, who has left after three years to pursue opportunities outside the company.

Emerson has been with EDS for a couple of months and will maintain his duties as vice-president of applications services field operations in Asia-Pacific. He previously spent 14 years in various senior management roles with IBM Global Services.

Emerson was not able to comment about his plans at the time of press. In a statement, executive vice-president for Asia Pacific region, Michael Coomer, said Emerson would be charged with driving business growth across A/NZ.

Emerson's resume also includes a stint as senior manager of technology planning at National Australia Bank, executive manager of operations planning at Commonwealth Bank and various leadership roles at Victorian-based International Computers.

Last year, EDS implemented an industry aligned go to market model to help drive growth within key vertical segments: Global and commercial, media and entertainment, government and defence and financial services.

Mitchell was with EDS for three years. EDS marketing director, Sally Durrant, said during his tenure, the company's profitability increased from $5 to $40 million.