Blog and press reports have indicated that Apple has hired formerly Sony Ericsson U.S. president and head of the North America region, Anderson Teixeira, to be head of Apple’s Latin America business. Indeed, Teixeira has updated his LinkedIN account, showing his new position. However, both Apple’s public relations in the United States and Brazil did not answer RCR Wireless News requests to confirm the appointment.
Website “9to5Mac” also reported that Teixeira would be operating out of Apple’s Coral Gables, Fla., office and would have nine reports at that office.
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Apple recently launched its iTunes store across Latin America, as well as opened a number of of resellers and stores across the region.Apple’s third quarter report showed that Brazilian revenues grew 1,118% compared with last year, hitting $900 million, highlighting that Brazil and the Latin America region is becoming a bigger part of Apple’s focus.
In addition, Brazil’s Science and Technology Minister Aloizio Mercadante has said that Foxconn, which currently manufacturers Apple’s iPad and iPhone devices in China, is planning to invest up to $12 billion on two manufacturing facilities in the country targeting Apple’s products.
Teixeira began working at Sony Ericsson when the joint venture was formed in 2001. In April, 2009, he was appointed president of Sony Ericsson U.S. and head of its North America region, based at the company’s U.S. operations in Raleigh, N.C.
Last October, Sony announced that it would acquire Ericsson’s 50% stake in the JV for $1.46 billion, ending a roller-coaster ride of a partnership that failed to make significant inroads into the device market despite the brand recognition of its parent companies. The buyout is expected to close this month.
