GE Healthcare, the $17 billion healthcare business of General Electric Company (GE), has combined the Eastern and Africa growth markets (EAGM) region into a single International Diagnostic Imaging operation.

The EAGM pole has been created to support four large, self-sufficient regions - the Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Central Asia, and Russia & CIS countries, said an official spokesman.

Richard di Benedetto has been appointed president and CEO of GE Healthcare International - EAGM region. This new operation will significantly focus and accelerate GE’s growth in equipment and services markets in that region.

The EAGM region accounted for more than $600 million in revenue in 2007, and with this new structure in place, it is expected to double GE Healthcare International revenue to $1.2 billion by 2010.

"I am thrilled to be leading the team driving this accelerated growth engine in Eastern and Africa growth markets to significantly advance GE’s localisation efforts and help transform healthcare delivery across this region,” said Di Benedetto.

“My team’s goal is to reinforce GE’s continued commitment to providing world-class healthcare solutions to the region, and proactively identify new areas where we can make a difference.  One of the focal points will be research and development (R&D), based on regional requirements. Our aim is to build customised in-country solutions to accelerate response time in addressing local customers needs.”

Di Benedetto started his career at GE in 1995, first working in the financial services division of GE Medical Systems (now GE Healthcare) as financing manager for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, then promoted to finance manager of this region. – TradeArabia News Service