Ibm Reorganizes Consumer Division

Acknowledging one of its weakest areas, International Business Machines Inc. said Monday it will refocus its efforts to take advantage of demand for home computers and related products.

IBM named James Firestone, who worked with IBM chairman Louis Gerstner when he ran American Express, to head the consumer business. Firestone, 40, was most recently head of the consumer services division at Ameritech Corp.

The new division will control marketing of IBM’s Aptiva home computer line, along with portable handheld computers and on-line information services.