Olsen will run Business Objects global operations, and oversee the management team running the Americas, Europe, Japan, and the International Distribution Division, which covers regional distributors in the rest of the world. He will also be responsible for worldwide marketing, alliances, professional services (consulting, training, and customer support), and the Business Objects e-store. In addition, Olsen will continue his role on the board of directors of Business Objects, which he joined in October 2000.

Olsen has more than 25 years of experience in the software and services industry. Most recently, he was president and chief executive officer of Marimba, Inc., a leading provider of systems management solutions for e-business. Prior to that, Olsen served as president of the Design Realization Group of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. At Cadence, Olsen served as executive vice president of Cadence’s worldwide field operations, overseeing the sales, marketing, and services functions and a staff of 2,400. During his tenure at the company, Cadence Design Systems grew from $429 million to $1.2 billion in annual revenue. Over 50 percent of the company’s revenue was from international operations and customers.

Before joining Cadence in 1993, Olsen had held the position of partner, Strategic Services, at KPMG Peat Marwick. In addition, he served as regional director of sales and marketing for Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Olsen holds a Masters in Management Science from University of South Florida, and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University.

I am very pleased to announce John’s appointment as president and COO of Business Objects. He has all the qualities needed to lead the Business Objects operations through a new phase of growth — strong operational management experience, a global view, and proven expertise in the software industry, said Bernard Liautaud, CEO and chairman of the board of Business Objects.

I am very positive about the future prospects of Business Objects, and am proud to be associated with such a strong management team and technology leader, said John Olsen, newly named president and COO of Business Objects. I look forward to expanding our operations, serving our global customers, and growing our market share as we take advantage of a tremendous market opportunity.