Hasta La Gadget!

Steve Ballmer’s announcement that he would retire from Microsoft came as something of a surprise, and left many wondering whether his eventual exit is voluntary. Thanks to an interview with the outgoing CEO at the Wall Street Journal, we now know that it is — although it’s coming after intense pressure. Ballmer explains that the company board of directors has been pushing him to speed up Microsoft’s transformation into a devices and services company ever since January. By May, he decided that his own way of thinking was slowing down the transition; he was the “pattern” that had to break. New leadership might reshape the company at a faster pace, Ballmer says. While the success of his strategy will depend heavily on just who takes the reins next year, it’s clear that the chief executive is willing to sacrifice a lot to keep Microsoft healthy… including himself.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Software, Microsoft

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Via: Business Insider

Source: Wall Street Journal

Tim Schaaff came over to Sony from Apple back in 2005 with a mission of aligning its vast consumer electronics and entertainment interests, and today the company has announced he’s retiring from his post as Sony Network Entertainment President at the end of the year. Schaaf’s responsibilities will be taken over by current Sony Computer Entertainment president Andrew House to start 2013, although Schaaf will retain his seat on Sony Network’s board of directors. In place and SNEI prez since 2010, he was around for the infamous PSN hack and subsequent outage in 2011, calling it a “great experience”… that he would not like to do again, of course. While Sony has made great strides in reorganizing the way its disparate arms work together since ’05 (remember Sony Connect? No one else does either.) his departure comes amidst new company head Kaz Hirai’s “One Sony” turnaround efforts along the same lines. A rebranding of PlayStation Network to Sony Entertainment Network hasn’t pushed the Music and Movie Unlimited properties to the top just yet, nor connected devices like its tablets and phones — we’ll see if this executive shuffling has any effect on the company’s fortunes going forward.

Continue reading Sony Network Entertainment prez Tim Schaaff retires, will remain on board of directors

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile, Sony

Sony Network Entertainment prez Tim Schaaff retires, will remain on board of directors originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After five years as king of the HBO castle, CEO Bill Nelson has announced he’s leaving the company to retire at the end of the year. During Nelson’s near 30-year career, he bounced through a string of corporate roles before becoming top dog in 2007, subsequently overseeing the launch of the digital service HBO Go. While it might be impossible to replace such a commanding moustache, we’re sure current co-President Richard Plepler will do a fine job when he takes the helm. He’s responsible (in part) for bringing shows like Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones to our screens, after all. Enjoy your retirement Bill, and be glad you left on your own terms — some aren’t so fortunate.

Continue reading HBO boss Bill Nelson announces retirement, Richard Plepler will assume the throne

Filed under: Home Entertainment

HBO boss Bill Nelson announces retirement, Richard Plepler will assume the throne originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple has announced that its Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, Bob Mansfield, will retire and over the course of the next few months transfer his role to Dan Riccio. Mansfield is credited with leading the Mac engineering team since 2005 and took on a more visible role as an exec during the reshuffling in 2008. He’s also mentioned as leading iPhone and iPod engineering since 2010 (when he took over the role from Mark Papermaster in a move curiously timed around those antenna troubles) and the iPad since it began. He’d been with Apple since 1999 when it acquired his previous employer, Raycer Graphics, and most recently popped up on our radar earlier this year while integrating another acquisition, flash memory maker Anobit. If you’d like to get familiar with his replacement, Dan Riccio is currently vice president of iPad hardware engineering. Check the press release after the break for a few more details on both individuals, there’s no word on Mansfield’s post-retirement plans.

Continue reading Apple Senior VP of Hardware Engineering Bob Mansfield to retire, be replaced by Dan Riccio

Apple Senior VP of Hardware Engineering Bob Mansfield to retire, be replaced by Dan Riccio originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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