CRM Magazine Names Kruger One of 20 Most Influential CRM Executives

PLANO, Texas -- Paula Kruger, president of EDS Operations Solutions Customer Relationship Management (CRM) service line, was named one of the 20 most influential people in CRM by CRM Magazine, September 2002. The publication, which listed the 20 individuals, "who are the thought-leaders in the CRM world and are responsible for pushing the market forward with a vengeance," described Kruger as a "change agent." The article noted that Kruger is taking up the charge to position EDS as "the dominant and recognized leader for large, multinational and mid-market companies looking for CRM services."

Elliot Markowitz, editor-in-chief of CRM Magazine, described the 20 named as the A list of who's who in CRM. "They have the power to make or break companies or markets, and are all respected or feared by their peers."

Kruger was hired in 2001 to lead the CRM service line, bringing more than 20 years of CRM experience from the telecommunications and financial services industries. Before joining EDS, Kruger served as executive vice president of operations for Excel Communications in Dallas. Kruger managed call center operations, and was responsible for provisioning, billing and distribution. During her tenure at Excel, the company achieved the highest satisfaction rating among long distance telecommunications companies for "First Call Resolution" on a nationally conducted J.D. Power survey, and second highest rating for overall satisfaction.

CRM Magazine is read by senior level executives in areas such as sales, marketing, customer service, and IT, as well as company presidents and CEOs. Its circulation is about 100,000 readers monthly. CRM Magazine celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this year.