Hagan to take Fujitsu to uncharted waters

Fujitsu Computers has brought in Brad Hagan as product business manager for its UK consumer channel. Hagan joined from rival PC manufacturer Acer, where he was PC product business manager for the home and business channels. His responsibilities will include boosting notebook and desktop sales, and creating new consumer channels. Fujitsu has redoubled its efforts to target the home market since last August, when it started selling PCs through supermarkets Tesco and later Sainsbury's. A survey earlier this month by Dataquest highlighted the Japanese vendor's aggressive use of non-standard channels. A Fujitsu representative told The Register that Hagan, who replaced Lawrence Knott, had been hired to find new channels for the consumer market. Fujitsu also sells its PCs through the BT ClickFree and Egg Web sites. Users logging onto BT ClickFree can order one of three Fujitsu computers pre-loaded with the BT ClickFree connection. Financial services company Egg -- part of Prudential -- has mailed all customers with PC offers, she said. Fujitsu also turned a few heads last November when it announced it would be selling PCs from a Texaco petrol station near London’s Tower Bridge. Hagan had a key role in Acer introducing its products to the consumer channel in February 1996. Charles Bows, Fujitsu UK marketing manager, said this experience would be beneficial in Hagan's new role. "This appointment strengthens our consumer team and Fujitsu's commitment to finding new and innovative channels to market. Brad has over five years' experience and we are delighted to welcome him on board." Lawrence Knott has moved within Fujitsu to work in account management. ®