Nuance creates single European unit

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The Nuance Group consolidates its European operations under one office.

The Nuance Group is re-organising its European business by creating a single European head office in Zürich, Switzerland. Until now, the group has operated through two regional divisions, Europe North and Europe South. Over one-third of group revenues stem from European operations.

Carlo Bernasconi, currently managing director Europe South, has been appointed as ceo Europe, reporting directly to group president and ceo Peter Petersen. Paul Whitehouse, currently managing director Europe North, will stay on for a transitional period. The changes take effect immediately.

The existing European country organisations will remain in place. They will be complemented by newly created organisations for Switzerland and the UK, each to be led by a country manager.

Under the new structure, The Nuance Group will consist of a corporate head office based in Zürich, as well as three regional organisations: Europe; the Americas (based in Toronto, Canada); and Asia/Pacific (based in Sydney, Australia).

Petersen said: "Our aim is to ensure that the quality and the competitiveness of our organisation will help us further develop our business activities in the best interest of our customers. This concentration of forces in Europe is crucial for our efforts to maintain and enhance our leading market position. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Whitehouse for all his service and dedication to The Nuance Group."

Comment: Speaking to DFNI in July, Nuance ceo Petersen made it clear that he had inherited the split European buying organisation from previous management. The move to combine the organisations was part of a "continuing conversation" he said. At the time, though, there were other more urgent priorities, such as shaping recovery from the previous two tough years. But he insisted that he would react to any "reasonable proposals" to combine the group's strengths in Europe and cut costs. Now he has seized the opportunity to act. The move will be applauded by many in the supply community, who have long been seeking clarity in Nuance's European businesses.