February

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

Posted By: Wayne Schulz - Contact the author

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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!

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About Wayne Schulz

Wayne is a Sr Consultant who has worked with Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 since 1986. He provides technical support to companies located throughout the United States on all versions of MAS90 and MAS200. Contact him on Twitter or Facebook or email wayne@s-consult.com. Review a list of all Schulz Consulting Prior MAS90 News Post Archives here. 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.

Filed Under MAS90, Sage software

Comments

View Comments to “Welcome Jodi Uecker-Rust to Sage – why the Interim Leader title?”

Glen Mund on March 16th, 2009 7:17 pm

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.
Wayne Schulz on March 16th, 2009 8:09 pm

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..
Wayne Schulz on April 6th, 2009 1:07 pm

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.
Wayne Schulz on April 6th, 2009 5:07 pm

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.
10 Predictions for 2010 « The ERP Lifestyle Consultant on December 29th, 2009 8:01 am

[...] Jodi Uecker-Rust takes the reins. When Jodi Uecker-Rust was announced as “Interim” lead of Sage Business Division in February 2009 it didn’t take a genius to predict that she’d soon be running the [...]