Software vendor Sage has appointed Tony Hobson as its new chairman.

The UK-based business management software firm had been looking to fill the chair, which was left vacant by Sir Julian Horn-Smith who unexpectedly quit the post last month citing irreconcilable differences.

Hobson, who is also chairman of Northern Foods plc and is a non-executive director of HBOS plc and Glas Cymru, had been acting chairman while Sage searched for a permanent replacement.

He joined the firm's board in 2004, and was chairman of its audit committee in 2005.

Horn-Smith joined Sage from Vodafone last September but left after a short tenure due to a conflict of management style with the board.

In a short statement, Sage senior independent director David Clayton said: "We are delighted that Tony Hobson has agreed to become chairman.

"Tony brings in-depth experience of board management and will provide strong leadership to the Sage board".

The acquisition-happy firm, which earlier this month saw profits slip, will likely want Hobson to concentrate on integrating Sage's many new businesses, as well as looking to up its performance in the North American market. ®

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