Symantec has revealed the latest change in its executive ranks, naming former Oracle executive David Thompson as its new CIO.
On a conference call with investors to discuss the security software makers earnings report during the week of Jan. 30, Symantec Chief Executive John Thompson discussed the hiring, saying that David Thompson would replace current CIO Mark Egan, who will remain with the company until some time later this year.
David Thompson, no family relation to Symantecs CEO Thompson, most recently served as a senior vice president and CIO of Oracle, where he oversaw all of the database specialists global IT operations.
Thompson joined Oracle after the firm bought enterprise software maker PeopleSoft in December 2004, where he also served in the role of CIO for seven years previous to the takeover.
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Symantec officials said that in his role as CIO, Thompson would oversee the functioning of the companys internal IT structure, as well as its internal business systems, technology standards and policies, and information security, with the firms chief information security officer reporting directly to him. The executive will also contribute to compliance efforts along with Symantecs acting chief financial officer, Steve Markowski.
According to Thompsons Oracle bio, which is still posted to the companys Web site, the executive was credited with helping PeopleSoft realize the benefits of using its own Internet applications internally to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Thompson is lauded for leading the integration of several companies purchased by PeopleSoft as well, specifically rival business applications vendors Vantive and JD Edwards.
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When and if Symantec makes future acquisitions, Thompson will also help manage any business integration issues related to those deals, a Symantec spokesperson said.
Thompson holds a masters degree in human resource management and a bachelors degree in computer science from American University, and began his career in technology as a systems development officer in the United States Air Force.
The CIO replacement marks only the latest in a string of high-profile executive departures for Symantec, with acting President and Vice Chairman Gary Bloom announcing last week that he plans to leave the company in March.
In November 2005, former Symantec CFO Greg Myers announced his departure from the firm, closely following the resignation of President and Chief Operating Officer John Schwarz. Schwarz currently serves as CEO of enterprise software maker Business Objects.
Company officials characterized Egans departure is a “friendly” one, as the longtime Symantec employee will stay onboard to help facilitate Thompsons transition, and then head into semi-retirement that will include part-time consulting for several other businesses.
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