Former Tandem Computers Inc chief executive Roel Pieper who became Compaq Computer Corp’s senior vice president and general manager of worldwide sales, marketing, services and support when Compaq bought Tandem earlier this year (CI No 3,188), has left Compaq for as yet unnamed new pastures. Pieper, who told Computergram a couple of years ago that in corporate life, when the task is done he moves on (CI No 2,896), said his task of integrating the tow companies’ sales organizations was complete, and he was taking a couple of months off to review his options. It has been suggested that one of these may be the some-time vacant slot of Apple Computer Inc chief executive, although Pieper claims he has not been approached, and with the recent upturn at Apple (CI No 3,320), there have been suggestions that Steve Jobs, the company’s founder who is currently care-taking the chief executive role, may be favored to stay on. Other suggestions have Pieper in the frame for the top job at Philips Electronics NV, to succeed chairman Cor Boonstra, but again Dutchman Pieper said he hadn’t been contacted by Philips. He says he is considering heading back to a large corporate, or going for a Silicon Valley start-up. Certainly Pieper’s history to date suggests corporate doctor is more his style. Also leaving Compaq is Jim Scraith, the company’s North America division vice president and general manager. Pieper will be replaced by Michael Heil, the consumer products group vice president, as will Schraith until a replacement is found.
