IBM consumer sales chief quits

IBM’s head of consumer business has left the company, two months after it set up the new consumer division.

IBM consumer business manager Graham MacPhee says in a statement that he has “decided to pursue a career outside IBM”. He adds that his reason for leaving is “personal”. It is not known if MacPhee has another job to go to.

He joined 18 months ago when he was poached from a sales position at Nintendo. He was given a free rein in his consumer sales role, and responsibility for revamping IBM’s range of consumer PCs.

His arrival at IBM coincided with the appointment of Ogilvy & Mather as the company’s global ad agency. Both were part of an attempt to make the transition from a business giant to consumer technology company.

MacPhee’s position has been the subject of speculation since IBM revamped its consumer marketing in August (MW August 11).

IBM hired US consumer specialist, and former American Express man, James Firestone to build a new US-based division dedicated to consumer products.

MacPhee was not available for comment.

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