Storage developer Seagate Technologies has unexpectedly announced the immediate departures of both its chief executive officer William Watkins and Dave Wickersham, president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. The company also announced it plans to cut about 10 percent of its U.S. workforce, which would amount to about 800 positions. Worldwide, the company employes about 53,000 people.
Company chairman Stephen J. Luczo will take over Seagate’s CEO position; Luczo is a familiar face to Seagate investors, since he previously served as Seagate’s CEO from 1998 until 2004, during which time he guided the company through a difficult restructuring. Seagate says Watkins and Luzco will work together to ensure a smooth transition, and that the two will talk about what role, if any, Watkins will have with the company going forward.
