Software giant SAP has appointed Fiona Walsh as general manager for its Irish operation in succession to Michael Kearney. Previously business development manager for customer relationship management (CRM) and strategic account manager, Walsh has been with SAP Ireland since 1996, having joined the company in Germany in 1992. As general manager, Walsh will manage and develop key customer and partner relationships plus develop market growth in the financial services and public sector areas. SAP employs 280 people at its facility in Citywest Dublin. Kearney, meanwhile, is understood to have left SAP to take up a senior position at Micro Focus, the international Cobol development house.