Apple Picks Olsson to Head Foreign Unit

Apple Computer Inc. has promoted a regional manager to head its European, African and Middle Eastern operations.

Soren Olsson, 44, was named president of Apple Computer Europe, replacing Michael H. Spindler, who last week was named chief operating officer and executive vice president of Apple, which has headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

Olsson had directed Apple’s Scandinavian operation since 1984. He assumed the position of managing director of Sweden and Northern Europe in 1988, overseeing operations in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, West Germany, Austria and several Eastern European countries.

“Soren has the vision and the drive needed to ensure Apple Europe’s success in a global marketplace,” Spindler said in announcing the promotion.