Philips Electronics NV may now be on a financial upswing and analysts are rushing to upgrade their estimates of the company’s prospects – but not everything is happy in the company’s boardroom. Nico Bruijel, a member of the group management committee responsible for human resources, regional organizations and government relations, is leaving the company to pursue other interests. After a 29-year career with Philips, 54 year-old Bruijel would not appear to be the type to storm out in a huff over a minor disagreement. The extent of his responsibilities was such that they have now been divided between two other top managers. Bruijel only took on his last role in 1998 and the official spin is that he was far happier as an operational manager, having built his reputation at semiconductor plants in far-flung parts of the world. It is fortunate for Philips that his departure coincided with good financial news and therefore attracted little attention.
