APRIL 12--Eastman Kodak Co. (Rochester, NY; www.kodak.com) has appointed Patricia F. Russo president and chief operating officer. Offering the company more than 20 years of management experience having been at IBM Corp., AT&T Corp., and Lucent Technologies Inc. in the computing and communications industries, Ms. Russo will oversee the day-to-day functions of Kodak's operating divisions. She also will serve as the chief executive officer's strategic partner in pursuing the business opportunities produced by the convergence of imaging and information-management technologies. Most recently, Ms. Russo was chairman of the board of Avaya Inc.
Kodak's chief executive officer Daniel A. Carp says, " [Ms. Russo's] wide management experience in improving operational performance in large global businesses and in generating growth from existing and new markets will serve Kodak well in our transition to the digital age. She arrives at Kodak at a time when imaging and information management technologies are converging. Her knowledge of the information technology industry will bring a fresh perspective to driving changes at Kodak."
Ms. Russo says, "Kodak has an enormous set of assets, including its technology, market position, and a great brand. I believe these assets are equally relevant to the emerging digital imaging industry. Images generate commerce, especially in the digital economy. Kodak's position as the largest producer of traditional photographic products and services will be the foundation of our efforts to become the leading provider of digital imaging products and services, supporting a host of new ways in which images will enrich commercial transactions."
