FileNet's Ted Smith makes room for former IBM exec

FileNet (Costa Mesa, CA, http://www.filenet.com

) has found the man it's been looking for to become the company's new president and chief operation officer. He's Lee D. Roberts, who has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and general management at IBM. Roberts, who will report directly to FileNet's chairman and CEO, Ted Smith, assumed his duties as of June 2nd.

Roberts, 44, most recently served IBM as general manager and VP of worldwide marketing and sales for the computer giant’s networking division, overseeing a global team of sales, marketing and customer support professionals and a multibillion dollar annual revenue stream.

Roberts is said to have played a key role in expanding his division’s indirect channels, opening new markets and helping focus the business in high-growth areas, revitalizing its performance and contributing to its business turnaround. That makes him a particularly apt choice for FileNet, given its recent losses and sales problems.

According to FileNet, Roberts will initially focus on developing the company's worldwide distribution channels, integrating its products, refining marketing strategies and plans and improving revenue from the company's major product lines.