Software AG has announced the appointment of James Wooster as vice president of sales for Australia and New Zealand as part of the company's ANZ growth strategy.

Wooster will be responsible for Software AG's entire sales and marketing operation in the ANZ region, which will include driving continued uptake for the company's portfolio of business infrastructure software products and solutions.

As part of his role, Wooster will also be tasked with driving customer service for existing and net new clients, as well as overseeing key marketing initiatives across both markets.

On top of this, Wooster will help to develop and retain Software AG's local sales teams. Software AG says the aim is for the teams to drive strong margins and achieve consistent, profitable growth particularly in the retail, financial services and government sectors.

Wooster has more than 23 years of experience in Information Technology and 17 years of strategic solution-sales experience. He has managed sales opportunities and teams across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Prior to his new role, Wooster was senior vice president of Industry Solutions for Software AG, which is based out of the UK.

There he worked on growing and developing the company's Business Process Excellence (BPE) portfolio through direct sales, partners and marketing.

Wooster says, “I am thrilled to be joining the Software AG team championing growth in Australia and New Zealand. This dynamic region brings a whole host of opportunities and I look forward to driving Software AG's sales and market expansion, as well as increasing the company's brand recognition more broadly.”

Steve Keys, Software AG chief operating officer, says, “We have ambitious plans for the region and James' appointment is a key part of our growth strategy.”

“Software AG has made a number of appointments in Australia recently by leveraging its global management team. We want to build a team in ANZ that monopolises the depth of experience we have in other regions," he says.

"In addition to his significant experience and knowledge, James brings proven sales ability including outstanding negotiation skills, a persuasive ability and excellent communications skills that will really help drive our ANZ business,” says Keys.

James' appointment became effective from January 1st 2015.