Enron appoints interim chief executive

Enron's new chief executive is a senior partner in a corporate recovery firm.

Stephen Cooper will be joined by a team from his own company Zolfo Cooper professionals.

They are expected to begin working immediately with Enron's management and its creditors' committee in a bid to resurrect its fortunes.

It follows the resignation of Enron Chairman and chief executive Kenneth Lay last week and the board now intends to try to find a new chairman.

Mr Cooper says: "Our focus is on the future of Enron. With more than 19,000 employees worldwide, Enron has real businesses with real value,"

Enron also announced that Lawrence G Whalley has resigned from his position as president and chief operating officer.