Alagem hands over helm of Packard Bell

Packard Bell founder and chief executive Benny Alagem has resigned, citing differences of opinion with main shareholders Bull and NEC.

Alain Couder, chief operating officer of Groupe Bull, will succeed him as president and chief executive. The position of chairman remains vacant.

A Packard Bell/NEC representative said Alagem, who founded Packard Bell in 1986, 'left of his own accord' on 30 June.

In a statement, Alagem said Packard Bell/NEC began searching for a chief operating officer seven months ago, with the understanding that the successful candidate would succeed him as chief executive.

But he claimed he actively participated in the search. 'The shareholders have reached a decision, so the time is right for me to find a new challenge,' Alagem said.

In 1996, Packard Bell Electronics joined up with Bull and NEC. It was merged with Bull's PC division Zenith Data Systems and with NEC's PC business to form Packard Bell/NEC. NEC and Bull became the main shareholders.

The deal, masterminded by Alagem, saved Packard Bell by providing a solid financial footing. It also gave the company a foothold in corporate markets.