February
09

Welcome Jodi Uecker-Rust to Sage – why the Interim Leader title?

Posted By: Wayne Schulz    



UPDATE 5-6-2009: As predicted in our original post shown below, Jodi Uecker-Rust was today appointed as President Sage Business Solutions. This is part of a sweeping re-organization that follows a 500 employee workforce reduction on 5-5-2009.

Well respected Great Plains (subsequently Microsoft) veteran Jodi Uecker-Rust has just been announced as the Interim Leader of the Sage North America Business Management Division. This spot was left vacant when Nina Smith departed Sage December 9, 2008.

Jodi is what could be termed a “heavy hitter” in the world of accounting software. She spent her career working first for Great Plains Software and ultimately Microsoft (who acquired Great Plains). For a period of time she was very widely considered to be the # 2 in command behind former Great Plains leader Doug Burgum. Jodi retired early from Microsoft in 2004 to devote time to some non-profit organizations that she was involved in.

Why the “Interim” leader label?

One thing I spotted right away is the label “Interim” in Jodi’s title. This seems to indicate that Jodi’s final position may not be leading the Business Management Division but could in fact be a far bigger position?

There’s no question  Jodi has the experience to lead the Sage North America BMD, so the title of Interim seems to indicate that further reorganization might be in the cards.

Also the wording of press release indicates that Jodi “join(s) us in order to continue our transformation in Sage North America”.

If I were forced to make a guess  I’d say that  the different divisions at Sage may ultimately consolidate in some form. Perhaps Jodi’s task is to eventually lead them. She has enough experience in this area that her expertise and organizational opinion may have been wanted before any potential  re-organization happens.

The structure of Sage changed to much more of a divisional setup immediately following the management shakeup in 2007 that saw CEO Ron Verni,  CFO Jim Eckstaedt depart.

Another option could be an upcoming round of acquisitions with Jodi ultimately leading a new division or acquired company.

And finally, there could be absolutely nothing to the title.

In any event, welcome to Sage North America Jodi!

© 2009, Wayne Schulz. All rights reserved. Sage 50, Sage 100, Sage 300 and Sage 500 are registered trademarks of Sage. Have additional unanswered questions about MAS90? You may contact Schulz Consulting here.

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Related posts you might want to review:

  1. Sage releases 2008 IRD (Interim Release Disk) for MAS 90 and MAS 200
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  3. Sage reports annual earnings

About

This entry was written by a Sr Consultant who has worked with Sage 100 ERP ( Formerly Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200) since 1986. He provides technical support to companies located throughout the United States on all versions of Sage 100 ERP Contact Wayne via our info request page.The views expressed on this site are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinion or position of any other person or company. We are NOT in the business of providing tax, accounting or audit advice and you are advised to consult with your tax professional in such matters and not to rely on any information here as authoritative tax, technology or accounting advice. Information is subject to change without notice. Google+

Filed Under Sage 100, Sage software 

Comments

  • http://pluscomputers.typepad.com/erpweblog/ Glen Mund

    I met with Jodi in Vancouver recently she is a fantastic. Very down to earth but full of knowledge of our markets and industry. I was impressed by how much she knew about the interal working of Sage in the few weeks she had been there. I should have asked her about the Interim lable but I agree with your assessment.

  • http://pluscomputers.typepad.com/erpweblog/ Glen Mund

    I met with Jodi in Vancouver recently she is a fantastic. Very down to earth but full of knowledge of our markets and industry. I was impressed by how much she knew about the interal working of Sage in the few weeks she had been there. I should have asked her about the Interim lable but I agree with your assessment.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/mas90guru Wayne Schulz

    I've heard nothing but positives about Jodi. What struck me as odd is that she needs an interim job like she needs a hole in the head.

    My speculation is there's a different position eventually — but that's as far as my mind can think..

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/mas90guru Wayne Schulz

    I've heard nothing but positives about Jodi. What struck me as odd is that she needs an interim job like she needs a hole in the head.

    My speculation is there's a different position eventually — but that's as far as my mind can think..

  • http://www.s-consult.com Wayne Schulz

    Just received an email where Jodi Uecker-Rust was named as President Business Management Division as opposed to Interim.

    A typo? Or maybe I missed the press release making it official.

    Worth noting that Jodi's picture is not on the Sage executive page as of yet.

  • http://www.s-consult.com Wayne Schulz

    Just received an email where Jodi Uecker-Rust was named as President Business Management Division as opposed to Interim.

    A typo? Or maybe I missed the press release making it official.

    Worth noting that Jodi's picture is not on the Sage executive page as of yet.

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