Xerox Fills Vacant Post of President

Xerox promoted Paul A. Allaire, 48, to fill the president’s post that has been vacant for more than a year and named Melvin Howard, 51, a vice chairman on Tuesday. The two form a new second tier of management at the information systems and financial firm, which is based in Stamford, Conn.

Allaire, who was senior vice president, will be responsible for the Xerox reprographics and information systems businesses. Howard, who was executive vice president, will continue to head the financial services operations. They will both report to David T. Kearns, chairman and chief executive.

Asked who is now No. 2 at the company, Kearns said through a spokesman that Allaire and Howard are co-equals in charge of Xerox’s two principal businesses. At 56, the well-entrenched Kearns is the oldest of the management group and has won high marks from analysts.

“The promotions are designed to further strengthen our senior management team and enhance our competitive advantage in the company’s two principal business areas,” Kearns said.

Allaire and Howard join Kearns, William F. Glavin, the other vice chairman, and C. Peter McColough, chairman of the executive committee, as members of the “corporate office.” It provides strategic and policy direction for the corporation. Allaire was also named a director.

Allaire joined Xerox in 1966 and was managing director of Rank Xerox Ltd., London, before becoming senior vice president and chief staff officer in 1983. Howard started with Xerox in 1970 and, among his other responsibilities, has been chief executive of its Crum & Forster insurance subsidiary.

The president’s job has been vacant since Kearns, who was president and chief executive, assumed the title of chairman in May, 1985.