Leo Apotheker joins Steria supervisory board
Former HP and SAP CEO's 'strategic planning' experience comes into question
By Anh Nguyen | Computerworld UK | Published 14:14, 06 June 12
IT services company Steria has appointed former HP and SAP CEO Leo Apotheker as an independent member to its supervisory board for his ‘strategic planning experience’.
Laetitia Puyfaucher, co-founder and chairwoman of global communications agency WordAppeal, was also appointed to the board.
Francois Enaud, Steria’s general manager, said: “I am really looking forward to benefiting from their experience. Given the widespread changes underway in our industry, Leo’s expertise in strategic planning and Laetitia’s in image development will be precious assets for our group.”
However, analyst firm TechMarketView questioned the appropriateness of Apotheker’s appointment, particularly following his short, controversial stint at HP.
“So, are we now to expect Steria to sell off its core services business and buy SAP? Perhaps M. Enaud should read the recent Fortune magazine article ‘How HP Lost Its Way’ to appreciate the full extent of Leo’s ‘expertise in strategic planning’,” said managing partner Anthony Miller.
Apotheker currently sits on the supervisory board of Schneider Electric and on the board of directors of the NGO PlaNet Finance.
