Symantec head retires

By Staff Writer for Symantec
Johannesburg, 18 Nov 2008

John Thompson, CEO and chairman of Symantec, is retiring at the end of the year.

Enrique Salem, Symantec`s COO, has been appointed by the board to take Thompson`s place as CEO and president. Following the transition, Thompson will remain chairman of the board, while Salem will join the board of directors.

Thompson says: "I`ve always believed planning for succession was a critical part of my role and, for the past two years, have been working with the board on a thoughtful succession plan. Through that process, (Salem) emerged as the right person to lead the company and I am confident in his ability to continue to drive the success of our team."

Robert Miller, lead independent director of Symantec`s board, notes: "Over the past 10 years, (Thompson) has led the effort to diversify Symantec`s customer base and has grown the company`s revenue tenfold.

"The board appreciates all he has done for Symantec and his leadership in driving the succession planning process. We are grateful that (Thompson) will remain chairman of the board and work with the team to ensure a smooth transition."

At the beginning of this year, Salem was appointed COO for Symantec`s day-to-day operations, global product development, as well as sales and marketing. Prior to this position, he was senior vice president of Symantec`s security products and solutions group, group president of the consumer business unit and group president of worldwide sales and marketing.

Salem says: "Symantec has a history of innovation and a solid foundation for growth. I am confident in the team and our ability to execute for our customers."