IBM Canada is reinforcing its recent focus on the consumer with the appointment of Marilyn Mersereau as its new director of communications.

Mersereau, most recently director of marketing for LensCrafters, has an extensive background in marketing to consumers and will shift the emphasis of the communications department to marketing rather than public relations.

Mersereau, who has a background in the restaurant and packaged goods sectors, was with Coca-Cola for eight years.

She left Coca-Cola in May 1993 as director of marketing, brands to join LensCrafters.

Before Coca-Cola, she was director of marketing, international for Burger King U.S.A. and national advertising manager for Wendy’s Restaurants.

At ibm, Mersereau will be responsible for all advertising and communications functions, reporting directly to Bill Etherington, IBM Canada president and chief executive officer.

Mersereau is replacing Bob Waite, who left the company this past spring to become vice-president public affairs for CAE Electronics of Toronto. PS