Xerox Channel Chief Peterson Departs Amid Ongoing Reorg
Company reorganization and realignment continues in wake of last year’s failed merger with Fujifilm
Xerox continues to streamline its organization in the wake of the called-off merger with
The Lowdown: Under the new structure, partners fall under their respective regional organizations — Americas and Europe/Middle East. The new structure, Xerox said in an internal memo, will streamline communications and decision-making, leading to more efficient operations.
The Details: Peterson, who served as president of Xerox channels since March 2017, oversaw the partner organization during one of the most difficult times in the company. On Peterson’s watch, Xerox changed executive leadership twice, divested of its services division, and undertook the failed merger with Fujifilm. Through these times, Peterson received the praise and admiration of partners who credit him with ensuring channel operations remained smooth and largely unaffected by the changes.
Background: In May 2018, under pressure from activist investors, Xerox called off its planned $6.1 billion
Fujifilm is continuing the pursue the merger. In October 2018, Fujifilm won a court appeal that overturned a lower court ruling favoring the activist investors. The court said it found no evidence that Jacobson misled the board and purposely undervalued the company to save his job.
In December 2018, ChannelE2E reported that Xerox announced an unspecified number of layoffs of its management and rank-and-file staff. Reportedly, the downsizing was part of a cost-cutting program.
The Buzz: “The changes in our go-to-market operations, global delivery, and global supplies are significant steps towards achieving our vision of becoming a tech powerhouse and positioning us for a strong start in 2019,” said Xerox CEO John Visentin. “By removing complexity in the way we work, organizing more effectively, and creating greater customer focus, we will be able to improve our customers’ experience and drive even greater revenue opportunities for Xerox next year and beyond.”
Related Links:
CRN: Xerox Ousts Channel Chief Amid Big Reorganization
Reuters: Fujifilm Wins Appeal in Battle with Xerox Over Aborted Merger
ChannelE2E: Xerox Layoffs 2018 Part 2: More Printer Company Staff Cuts
