Software vendor Novell has rejigged its EMEA executive management team by promoting Javier Colado to the post of president.

The vendor is set to promote Colado from vice president and general manager of partners after he has concluded his current assignment of creating and launching Novell's global channel and partner programme.

Colado originally joined Novell in 2006 as area general manager and vice president for Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, previously holding senior executive roles at McAfee and Lucent Technologies.

Ron Hovsepian, president and chief executive of Novell, said: “I am very pleased to announce Javier's appointment which will help drive the growth opportunities we see in EMEA.

“Javier's leadership in launching Novell's new channel strategy, as well as his strong sales management experience, will serve him well in his new role and enhance the execution of our new partner-centric model in EMEA.”

Colado’s previous partner responsibilities, including the execution and leadership of Novell’s partner programmes, will be moved to Novell’s marketing organisation led by John Dragoon, chief marketing officer at Novell.

“The work Javier and John have done together on our new partner and marketing programmes will assure their seamless and integrated execution, upon the transition of the partner responsibilities to John,” added Hovsepian.

Colado replaces Volker Smid who has left "to pursue other interests".