Alcatel-Lucent has appointed ex-Riverbed VP Willem Hendrickx as its President for Europe, Middle East and Africa. At his new role with the France-based vendor he will be responsible for the entire sales and operational management of the company’s activities in the EMEA region.

Hendrickx has over 20 years’ experience in sales and management roles at global ICT firms, including Riverbed, Tieto and EMC. The Belgian also has a degree in commercial sciences and a master’s degree in economics from the European Institute of Higher Education (EHSAL) in Brussels.

“Willem brings to us vast experience in the broader IT and telecom market,” Alcatel-Lucent CEO Michel Combes said. “He has the perfect background to support our objectives in executing the Shift Plan in Europe, Middle East and Africa as we apply our strengths in innovation to become a specialist in IP, cloud and ultra-broadband access.

“Furthermore, his commercial understanding of converged technology needs will be a huge asset as we diversify into new market segments, such as extra-large enterprises.”

The Shift Plan Combes referred to is the troubled vendor’s restructuring plan put in place last year and aimed at turning its woes into fortunes as it had been struggling since the company was formed of France’s Alcatel and US Lucent in 2006.

Under the Shift Plan, Alcatel-Lucent aims to reposition itself within the IP networking, cloud and ultra-broadband areas. So far the plan seems to be working as the vendor is currently looking much more healthier financially, and has managed to avert falling over the brink.

Hendrickx replaces Luis Martinez Amago, who will be taking another position within Alcatel-Lucent, to be announced “in due course” as the firm put it.