Ron Garriques, an eight-year Motorola Inc. veteran who rose to lead the company’s mobile device division, itself responsible for the company’s resurgent fortunes via the Razr handset, resigned from Motorola to join Dell Inc.
Dell has been searching for management solutions to its own resurgence, with founder Michael Dell currently back in the CEO position.
Garriques will join the computer maker as president of its new Global Consumer division, effective today, according to Dell. The new division will be responsible for all consumer products, product design and sales.
Motorola said that on an interim basis Ray Roman, senior VP of global sales, and Terry Vega, senior VP for global devices, will work in tandem to fill Garriques’ role.
Motorola’s stock, which climbed in early trading, appeared to sag on the early afternoon news, dipping before regaining its upward trajectory for the day. Dell’s stock rose slightly on the news.
Motorola’s resurgent fortunes apparently reached their apex last year as the company enjoyed a long string of strong quarters in market share, revenue and profit growth. Its troubles, however, came to light last month as handset volume shipments in 2006 grew rapidly but profits were sharply down. Garriques’ departure is certain to be a conversational item in the wireless industry in the run-up to the CTIA Wireless 2007 trade show in late March in Orlando, Fla.
Also departed: T-Mobile USA Inc.’s chief marketing officer, Mike Butler. Butler had been with the carrier since 2004, and helped put together its new “Stick Together” campaign to promote its MyFaves calling plans. Robert Dotson, T-Mobile USA’s CEO, will be taking over Butler’s responsibilities as “chief brand officer,” according to a statement by the company.
Garriques leaves Motorola for Dell, Butler exits T-Mobile as CMO
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