Nuance restructures Asia/Pacific operations

Dermot Davitt

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Christian Strang to head new Australia/New Zealand division

The Nuance Group is restructuring its operations in the Asia/Pacific region. With immediate effect, Christian Strang will head the newly-created Australia/New Zealand region as CEO. John Moore, CEO Asia/Pacific is to lead the implementation of a new Asia structure aimed for growth.

About 40% of Nuance's global sales come from Asia, but in markets which Nuance described as being in "very different phases of their life cycle". To meet the needs of these markets, said the company, Nuance is splitting into two sub-regions: The Nuance Group Australia and New Zealand and The Nuance Group Asia.

The Nuance Group president and CEO Roberto Graziani said: "These changes introduce a new phase in the development of The Nuance Group in two very distinct and valuable markets. We look forward to working closely with all our business partners to realise our common goals for future growth. Christian Strang's appointment signals our long-term commitment to the Australia and New Zealand region through a period of dynamic change and strategic development. Our simple aim is to serve more customers more often."

In Australia and New Zealand, the group said it recognised the challenges of being the leading airport retailer in a mature and increasingly competitive market. The appointment of Strang as CEO would further strengthen its organisation, it said.

Currently business development and corporate relations director for The Nuance Group Asia/Pacific, Strang brings a high level of industry experience to the new role and becomes the leader of a team responsible for The Nuance Group's single biggest market.

With the development of both the Singapore and Hong Kong joint-venture operations The Nuance Group has a solid foundation in Asia. As reported in DFNI's special report on Nuance in May, the group will use its partnership with AS Watson to deliver further growth, especially in developing markets.

A Nuance-Watson business development unit will be put in place in the coming months and will spearhead the partnership's future growth. John Moore, in his current role as CEO Asia/Pacific for The Nuance Group, will coordinate the implementation of the new structure.