Alpha Micro Sales Executive Named President

Alpha Microsystems, a maker of business computer systems, selected Douglas J. Tullio as its president and chief operating officer Monday.

Tullio, 47, replaces John S. Cain, a longtime executive who left the company for personal reasons in November. Tullio began working at Alpha Micro in January, 1990, as a division president and became executive vice president of sales and marketing in April, 1990.

David A. Young, chief financial officer for the company, said Tullio’s appointment is the latest step in the company’s long-term plan to return to profitability.

Before joining Alpha Micro, Tullio served as president of General Automation Inc., a rival business computer manufacturer in Anaheim. His background is primarily in sales and marketing.

“We need someone with the sales and marketing background to get the company on track,” Young said.

The company has been hurt by the prolonged slump in sales of minicomputers, those computers between personal computers and large mainframes.

Since Cain and Richard C. Wilcox, a founding executive at Alpha Micro, left last year, the company has seen hard times. It went through an aborted merger attempt and laid off 33 people, or 9% of its work force, as part of a company reorganization. The layoff was the second in a year.

The company also said it expects to lose $7.5 million this fiscal year, including $3 million in the fourth quarter, ended Feb. 28. Alpha Micro recently began purchasing the repair and support operations of some of its largest computer dealers.

Clarke Reynolds, vice chairman and chief executive officer, temporarily assumed Cain’s position after his resignation. Reynolds was promoted to his current position in January. Tullio’s former position is empty.

“The emphasis on continuing the corporate direction of a marketing- and sales-driven company is borne out in this change,” Reynolds said in a statement. “We feel it will enhance our relationship with our loyal dealer base.”

In another change, the company appointed Michael Osler as vice president, European Operations. Osler has served as managing director of European Operations since November, 1982.

Young took on an additional title as vice president, administration.