Novell’s new EMEA president will face intense pressure to increase turnover and reshape the business into a Linux-focused services company, according to market watcher Ovum.

Thomas Francese took over the role last week from Richard Seibt, who left the vendor in May.

Ron Hovsepian, executive vice- president of worldwide field operations at Novell, said: “I am thrilled to have someone of Tom’s calibre join the Novell leadership team. I am looking forward to working with our strong team in EMEA to grow our business in the region and to contribute to our customers’ and Novell’s success.”

David Bradshaw, principal analyst at Ovum, said the appointment was strategic. “Novell is trying to reshape its business to a Linux-driven service organisation. Francese will come under a lot of pressure to increase sales and margin in EMEA over the coming months and years,” he said.

In August Novell announced plans to cut EMEA workforce by up to 150 employees this year to improve the region’s profitability (CRN, 5 August).