Ten months after former Telkom acting group CEO Jeffrey Hedberg stepped down as chief operating officer, JSE-listed technology group Altech has appointed a new chief operating officer.

Laurence Savage, who has experience in the media, electronics, engineering and automotive sectors, will take on the position in January 2013, Altech CEO Craig Venter said on Tuesday.

“Savage’s experience globally, his knowledge of the African continent, as well as his educational background and leadership ability, make him a perfect fit for the role of chief operating officer given the group’s offering and its future plans,” said Venter in a statement.

Savage has previously been MD at structural steel fabricators Genrec Engineering and pipe manufacturer Hall Longmore. Both companies are part of Murray & Roberts. He also held the position of CEO at Avis Fleet Services, where he was responsible for Southern Africa.

He holds engineering and business qualifications, with an MBA from Milpark Business School. He has also completed an advanced executive programme at Northwest University in Chicago.

Savage’s appointment followed the exit of Hedberg, who was with Altech for only nine months. It’s understood that Hedberg and Venter clashed, prompting the former to resign. — (c) 2012 NewsCentral Media