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IBM and Lotus Leadership Shift: A New Era of Collaboration and Confidence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

IBM has announced significant changes in its leadership lineup, with Michael Zisman and Jeff Papows taking the helm as CEO and COO of Lotus, respectively. Both executives previously worked together as Senior Vice Presidents of Lotus's Communications Group, overseeing the high-performing Notes division. This strategic move demonstrates IBM's commitment to preserving the integrity of the Lotus organization and leveraging its strengths. The partnership between Zisman and Papows is set to drive innovation and growth within the company.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michael Zisman, formerly Senior Vice President of Lotus's Communications Group, has been appointed as the new CEO of Lotus and Executive Vice President of IBM.
  • Jeff Papows, also a former Senior Vice President of Lotus's Communications Group, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of IBM.
  • The two will work together in a newly created office of the President within Lotus, reporting to John M. Thompson, Senior Vice President and Group Executive of Software Solutions for IBM.
  • Ray Ozzie, the inventor of Notes, has verbally committed to remaining with the company, despite discussions surrounding the role of John Landry, Lotus's Chief Technology Officer.
  • IBM has promoted Deborah Besemer to Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, following the departure of Bob Weiler, the former head of Lotus's worldwide sales organization.
  • The company has also announced plans to integrate several hundred of its groupware sales representatives into the Lotus sales force, further demonstrating its commitment to the organization.
  • Gerry Murray, Analyst for IDC/Avante's Image and Workflow program, expressed confidence in the IBM-Lotus relationship, stating that IBM has passed the "test of trust" and is now poised for success.

Statistics:

  • 2 new executives have been appointed to lead Lotus: Michael Zisman and Jeff Papows.
  • 2 existing executives have been promoted to new leadership roles: Deborah Besemer and Jeff Papows.
  • 300 of IBM's groupware sales reps will be integrated into the Lotus sales force.
  • 40 countries are represented by IDC's research centers.
  • 300 research analysts work for IDC worldwide.

Sources:

  • International Data Corporation (IDC)
  • IDC/LINK
  • International Data Group (IDG)
  • Dara Queen, Group Marketing Manager, IDC
  • Gerry Murray, Analyst, IDC/Avante's Image and Workflow Program.

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