Silicon Valley Exec to Run Dell Operations

Dell Inc. has hired a Silicon Valley manufacturing specialist to oversee its operations, the struggling Texas computer company said Wednesday.

Michael Cannon, 54 — president of Solectron Corp. of Milpitas, Calif. — will be Dell’s president of global operations, a new position. Solectron provides electronics manufacturing services.

Cannon’s authority will involve Dell’s manufacturing, component procurement and other activities associated with making and distributing Dell’s products worldwide, Dell said.

Cannon will report to founder Michael Dell, who reclaimed the chief executive position last month when Kevin Rollins resigned.

Cannon’s appointment, effective Feb. 26, follows a string of executive departures.