Solbourne Computer Inc founder Doug MacGregor has been bounced as president and chief executive of the Sparcsystems builder he created, and is replaced by his vice-president of international operations, Carl Herrmann. MacGregor turned in his mutually agreed resignation at a closed board meeting on April 17. The surprise move is believed to have been precipitated by the privately-held company’s unprofitable year-end results tallied as of March 31. A spokesman said the Longmont, Colorado-based firm ran in the black in the first two quarters but the colour turned blood red in the last half, particularly the third quarter. Sources indicated Matshushita Electric Industrial Co, Solbourne’s major stakeholder with investments in the firm totaling more than $50m, has been attempting to exert tighter controls of late. Herrmann, a Wharton Master of Business Administration who has been with Solbourne for the better part of a year, has a components background, having previously run Amphenol in Hong Kong. MacGregor, who was taking his dismissal philosophically, admitted to loss of confidence in his leadership. He remains on the board, representing employee shareholders, and intends to take a 30-day breather before he looks for something else to do.
