Sierra to lay off 6% of its workforce

Sierra Wireless (SWIR) reorganized to take advantage of the emerging machine-to-machine communications space, and has let 60 employees go after the organizational change.
The Vancouver-based company said it expects to save $1 million per quarter once the reduction is fully implemented, which it expects to take place in the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, Sierra expects to incur a $4.5 million charge related to the reorganization. Also, it said the expected cost savings will be partially offset from investment in new growth areas.
“With the integration of our M2M businesses complete, the time is right to launch a new organization that strengthens customer focus and enhances responsiveness in key markets,” said Jason Cohenour, Sierra Wireless president and CEO. “This business unit structure allows us to rapidly address different customer and product requirements in mobile computing, embedded M2M and M2M solution, and positions us to drive strong, sustained growth and improved profitability.”
Dan Schieler, formerly senior VP of Worldwide Sales, has been named senior VP and general manager of the Mobile Computing business unit, focusing on mobile broadband devices for operators and embedded wireless modules for laptops, netbooks, and other mobile computing devices. Jim Kirkpatrick, formerly CTO, has been named senior VP of engineering for the Mobile Computing business unit.
Didier Dutronc, formerly senior VP of Global Marketing, has been named senior VP and general manager of the M2M Embedded Solutions business unit, focusing on embedded wireless modules for a broad range of market segments, from automotive, to smart energy, healthcare and mobile consumer. Pierre Teyssier remains senior VP of Engineering and joins the M2M Embedded Solutions business unit, reporting to Didier.
Emmanuel Walckenaer continues in his role as senior VP and General Manager of the Solutions & Services business unit, with expanded responsibility for AirLink Intelligent Gateways and Routers.
Philippe Guillemette, formerly senior VP of Advanced Technology, has been named CTO. Since the consolidation of the Solutions & Services and AirLink business units, Andrew Berman, former senior VP and GM of the AirLink business, will be leaving Sierra Wireless.