Cognos appoints new regional general manager

Derek Morrison, a former sales director for Cognos UK Commercial Sector, joined the company in October 2004 via the acquisition of Frango where he was a specialist in Performance Management solutions.

"The Middle East is a key target market for Cognos," said Graham Walter, vice-president, Cognos UK, Middle East, and South Africa. "We have registered exponential growth in the region and, to support our operations, we are expanding our dedicated local presence in target markets. This includes bringing on high level senior personnel to manage the region and we are confident that with Derek on board, we will be able to offer higher levels of service to our customers. The value we add to our partners comes from our in-depth technological expertise, and we are now in a position to offer sophisticated and strategic support to all our clients in the region."

"With Derek's track record and business experience, we are confident that he will be able to grow our business in the region as it enters a new phase of development," added Walter.

Previously, Morrison worked as the regional manager, Scotland, for Syscap, the UK's largest independent software leasing company. He was also employed as the managing supervisor of associates, Capital Corporation of North America (consumer loans and mortgages) with lending and underwriting responsibility for the West of Scotland business.

According to the latest IDC report, the total Gulf market for BI solutions is worth approximately US$32m to US$33m per annum with double-digit percentage growth potential. Over 300 regional and multinational companies in the Middle East currently deploy Cognos solutions including companies like Contax Group, Watinaya, Riyad Bank, Emirates Bank, Petrofac.

"With the foundation set by the current management team and employees, my goal is to take the company to its next level of expansion," said Derek Morrison. "My main aim is to strengthen Cognos' market leading position by rolling out technologically advanced products to cater to the demands of this market. The economic growth in the region presents a fantastic opportunity for Cognos to grow with both our partners and clients."