EDS has announced the strategic combination of its market-facing client care and sales organisations into a single unit and tapped former AlliedSignal and McKinsey executive Charles L Griffith to run the group.
Griffith joins EDS as executive vice-president of Client Solutions and Global Sales, reporting directly to chairman and CEO Dick Brown. His organisation will develop and implement technological solutions for client needs based on its knowledge of multiple industry segments and substantial intellectual capital.
A direct outgrowth of EDS`s ongoing transformation initiative, the new client and sales organisation combines the company`s Global Industry Solutions, Client Solutions, Global Sales, Major Sales Pursuits and Service Excellence organisations, as well as the Chief Client Executive Officer. It includes consultants from AT Kearney, industry experts in fields from finance and transportation to government and manufacturing, and the company`s most senior sales and client executives.
"This new organisation gives EDS a laser focus on developing value-added solutions for current and new clients based on our deep industry knowledge and broad technical capabilities," said Brown. "Chuck has the industry perspective and operational experience to put this to work today for our clients."
Griffith said his organisation will support and guide all those within EDS who manage client relationships. It also will develop offerings and value propositions for the company`s largest contract opportunities.
"EDS founded the services industry 40 years ago with innovative approaches to client needs. EDS has succeeded by understanding its clients` businesses as well as its own," Griffith said. "I am focused on putting the power of EDS`s incredible intellectual capital to work for clients and prospects around the world. We will continually raise the bar with solutions that go the next step, offer more value and keep our clients` information secure."
Griffith joins EDS from the private equity/LBO firm, Investcorp International, where he served as one of four senior operating partners and as a member of the firm`s management committee. The company held substantial interests in enterprises across several industries, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Werner Ladder and Extrusion, Synthetic Industries, CSK Automotive, Carter`s Clothing, Harborside Healthcare and Independent Wireless One.
Prior to joining Investcorp in 2001, Griffith served as president and CEO of Ingersoll Dresser Pump Company. A joint venture between Ingersoll-Rand and Halliburton, it was a full-service manufacturer of industrial pumps and motors with 42 locations worldwide.
Griffith previously held senior positions with AlliedSignal, where he had been recruited from McKinsey & Company. With AlliedSignal, he served as president of Fram/Autolite Corporation, a $700 million auto parts business, and vice-president and general manager of the Carbon Materials and Technologies group.
Griffith is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a master`s degree in business from Stanford. In addition to leading the client and sales organisation, he will join the EDS Executive Operations Team, the company`s most senior management council.
Condon to lead government industry
EDS today also announced the appointment of industry veteran John K Condon as president of its Global Government Industry Solutions organisation, reporting to Griffith.
Condon joins EDS following a distinguished naval leadership career and 15 years in the government practices of Coopers&Lybrand (now PwC) and IBM. A published author, Condon is a member of Federal Computer Week`s Federal 100. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds a master`s degree in National Security Affairs.
In his new role, Condon will lead a team of government industry experts. They will work both with clients and prospective clients.
"We look forward to applying John`s considerable skills and experience to our work for clients in the government sector," Brown said. "Government organisations all around the world can benefit from John`s insight and expertise."
The appointments of both Griffith and Condon are effective from 16 September.
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