Mumbai: CA has announced the election of William E. McCracken, as it's chief executive officer. McCracken previously served as executive chairman since John A. Swainson's retirement was announced in September 2009. McCracken now holds both the CEO and chairman of the board positions at the Company.

"Over the past five months, Bill has helped direct the day-to-day management of CA and has been integral in developing and executing the strategy to position the Company for market leadership," said Gary J. Fernandes, lead independent director at CA, who headed the Board search committee. "We had the benefit of watching him lead the Company and it became evident to us that Bill McCracken has the knowledge, industry expertise, and experience to take CA to the next level. The Board unanimously decided that Bill was the best choice to sustain the Company's momentum and lead it going forward."

"I am honored to be selected as CEO by the board of directors of CA," said McCracken. "Through the years, and especially over the past five months, I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication that the CA team brings to its customers each and every day. We have great people, products and a clear strategy that will not only unlock the full potential of CA, but will guide our growth today and in the future."

McCracken, 67, joined CA's Board of Directors in 2005 and became non-executive chairman in 2007. Prior to joining CA, McCracken held numerous executive positions at IBM during his 36-year tenure, most recently as a member of the Chairman's Worldwide Management Council and general manager of IBM's printing division. He previously served as president of IBM's EMEA and Asia PC Company and as general manager of marketing, sales and distribution for IBM PC Company.

McCracken has been the president of Executive Consulting Group and was a director of IKON Office Solutions. He is also a participant in the Chairmen's Forum of the Millstein Center for Corporate Governance and Performance at the Yale School of Management. In 2009, McCracken was named by the NACD Directorship as one of the top 100 most influential people in the boardroom.