IBM is set to make some major management changes to its northeast Europe team over the summer, CRN can reveal.

In a staff memo leaked to CRN, Bruno Di Leo, general manager IBM northeast Europe, outlined how he will be leaving his position in July to head up a new Growth Markets unit, based in Shanghai.

The unit will consist of Asia Pacific, Latin America and a new unit called REMA – consisting of Russia, Easter Europe, Middle East and Africa.

As a result, from 1 July, Mike Rhodin will take over Di Leo’s position, taking up the mantle of general manager, northeast Europe.

Other management changes, which came into effect on 1 April, include Larry Hirst becoming chairman of IBM EMEA, replacing Hans Maerki who has retired, and Brendon Riley has taken over Hirst’s position of general manager, IBM UK Ireland and South Africa.

The memo concluded: “We have worked very hard this past year to build more teamwork, drive operational excellence, and enhance our leadership. By doing that, northeast Europe delivered very good performance in 2007.

“As we begin Q2 2008, I would ask you not to get distracted by this transition, but focus on our clients and what we need to deliver against our objectives.”