Compaq European PC boss quits

Didier, a 10-year Compaq veteran, is leaving to start a new career in his native France, according to a press release issued by Compaq. The world's number one PC vendor said it expects to announce a successor very shortly. In the mean time, Werner Koepf, vice president of the general business group in Europe, will take on the additional role.

The move follows in the footsteps of a similar change at arch-rival Dell. EMEA president Martyn Ratcliffe left the company in May "to pursue a personal interest in managing corporate turnaround and entrepreneurial opportunities", according to a statement issued by the direct sales PC vendor. Ratcliffe was replaced by Jan Gesmar-Larsen, who previously held a similar post at Apple.

Separately, Compaq said it would set up a group dedicated to its networking and communications product range in Europe.