Compaq could have averted missteps; insiders say board ignored major warning signs; action came too late

Article Abstract:

Compaq Computer Corp. continues to try to remake itself after a number of previous missteps involving its direction and management. The board decided to remove Chief Executive Eckhard Pfeiffer, and Chief Financial Officer Earl L. Mason resigned, as the computer maker has had a series of failed efforts at streamlining its distribution system, departures by previous executives and earnings shortfalls. Over the past two years, five of eleven senior executives have left the firm through retirements or disputes with Mr. Pfeiffer. The company his missed its earnings projections in the first quarter for three of the last four years. Analysts believe that the company should shift the majority of its corporate business from resellers to direct sales in order to chip away at the 10% cost advantage that rival Dell Computer has in this area. They also feel Compaq put too much stock in its consumer-PC business to become a full-line provider of corporate Internet systems.

United States, Strategy & planning, Executive changes & profiles, Management, Compaq Computer Corp., CPQ, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Company business management, Pfeiffer, Eckhard, Rosen, Benjamin M., Mason, Earl L.

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Texas Instruments selects Engibous as its chief

Article Abstract:

Texas Instruments (TI) announces the promotion of Thomas J. Engibous to the post of CEO and president and the hiring of former SBC Communications Pres James R. Adams as TI chairman. Engibous had been directing TI's semiconductor division, performing well under difficult market circumstances, and his promotion is seen as a relative surprise, since longtime vice chairman and interim CEO William P. Weber was bypassed. The 43-year-old Engibous had been considered promising by many in the computer industry, and analysts suggest that his intense and aggressive managerial approach will keep TI in good stead. Adams' appointment as chairman marks the first time in numerous years that someone from outside TI has been selected for a primary position within the company.

Officials and employees, Texas Instruments Inc., TXN, Employee selection, Hiring, Company Employee Status Change

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