The digitization of Xerox Corp is likely to shift up a gear with news that COO Richard Thoman is to take over as CEO from Paul Allaire next year. Xerox CEOs traditionally step down at 60 years of age, which Allaire is, and remain as chairman. Thoman, 54, was previously IBM Corp chairman Louis Gerstner’s right hand man. Xerox is said to derive more revenue from digital products than its analog lines. Growth in sales of its digital products is in the double digits. Although IBM’s own printing systems division is on the block Xerox has made no comment about any interest it has in the business although it has said strategic acquisitions will be important in its digital makeover.
