Developing Gulf markets set to spur on Xerox's growth over 2009

Guers met with the Olayan Financing Company President and COO Peter Dadzis to discuss Xerox's Saudi investments as well as Saudi Xerox's strategy over the coming 12 months.

"When developing our market share in countries such Saudi Arabia we require strong partnerships through whom we can access both the public and private sector," said Guers. "Olayan have proved time and time again that they've been the right choice for the Saudi market for Xerox. We both agree that there's a great deal of potential here in Saudi, and we're looking forward to achieving more growth over the next period across KSA."

Guers also went out into the field where he visited strategic & global customers to discuss how Xerox could help them do great work. "Our focus going forward is tailored services such as outsourcing that is centered around lean six sigma. We want to add value to our partners, and it's encouraging to see Saudi firms being so receptive to what we have to offer," he added.

Xerox's COO for Developing Markets Operation presented Saudi Xerox with the 'Partner of the Year' award for their tremendous success in 2008. This award is give annually to one country out of the 80 in Middle East & Africa. Guers then briefed Saudi Xerox executives, headed by GM Ehab Guindi, on the organization's strategy for 2009.

The largest provider of enterprise printing solutions in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Xerox has been extending its reach into the midmarket, small to medium enterprise space. The company has also notched wins with corporations looking to outsource their printing requirements.

"Despite the economic conditions we're seeing globally, developing markets such as Saudi Arabia will ensure that Xerox remains in growth," said Guers. "From looking at the spending patterns in Saudi Arabia we're confident that this country will continue its remarkable growth trends."

Guers was accompanied by Marcus Childs, Xerox Corporation's VP Middle East and Africa. Childs, who visited Riyadh only two months ago, re-emphasized his belief that emerging markets would be the priority for 2009.

"Saudi Arabia has confounded expectations of a downturn with strong growth over the last few quarters. Whilst this is no doubt in part to the hard work of the staff at Saudi Xerox, public spending is up as is spending from much of the private sector. We want to accelerate our growth here in Saudi, and we'll be looking at investing more into the Kingdom through our time and effort to achieve that growth," concluded Childs.

"2009 is the year for developing markets such as the Kingdom," said Ehad Guindi. "The hard work of my team here has caught the eye of our top management, and visits by Guers and other top executives will only help us move forward as we look to grow our market share in new areas for the business, in all small, medium and large business sectors."