Dell names Asia-Pacific chief

Dell Computer has announced the appointment of Goran Malm as president of Dell Asia-Pacific and senior vice-president.

He replaces John Legere, who will take over the direct computer-seller's European business.

Dell, which opened a manufacturing plant at Xiamen a year ago, said its sales in Asia, including Japan, were approaching US$2 billion on an annualised basis.

Industry research ranks Dell only eighth in sales in greater China. But it is the second-fastest growing brand in the region, behind mainland-based Legend.

Mr Malm, formerly president of GE Asia-Pacific, will be based in Singapore and report to Michael Dell, chairman and chief executive. Mr Legere, whose tenure as Asia-Pacific president began officially only at the start of this year, has been overseeing both Europe and Asia-Pacific in the interim.

Dell employs a total of 2,000 people in the Asia-Pacific region, about 40 of them in Hong Kong, 100 in Singapore and 1,000 at its factories in Xiamen and Danang, Vietnam.