Graeme Watt has been appointed president of Bell Microproducts Europe, responsible for Ideal Hardware and Bell's European divisions. He will report to president and CEO Don Bell.

He replaces acting interim president Martin Blaney who will remain at the US-owned distie as chief operating officer for Europe. Previous president Ian French left the company to pursue other interests in February 2004.

Watt was previously head of Tech Data Europe. He left that job in October 2003 to run the merged operations of WestCoast and Actebis but the deal fell through at the last minute before he could take up the post. Prior to that he was managing director of Computer 2000, Tech Data's UK sub.

Don Bell said: "Graeme has the in-depth knowledge necessary to lead Bell Microproducts European operations in a world class manner. His experience base and talent will give the expert guidance to Bell Microproducts ongoing expansion program in the EMEA region. We are very excited to welcome him on board."

Mr. Bell expects Europe to be a strong growth market and is looking for "selective acquisitions". The firm came to Europe in late 2000 through the acquisition of UK-based storage distie Ideal Hardware. European sales accounted for 46 per cent of last year's $2.2bn turnover.

More details here. ®

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