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Following is the VMware memo in its entirety:
Executive Change Announcement: July 17, 2012
Public/Employee FINAL
Top public questions for global use by spokespersons
Q. What is VMware announcing today?
VMware today, July 17, 2012, announced that Paul Maritz will be succeeded in the post as Chief Executive Officer of VMware, effective September 1, 2012, by Pat Gelsinger, currently president and chief operating officer, EMC Information Infrastructure Products. Paul will remain a board member of VMware, and will take on a new chief strategist role at EMC. Pat will also be named to VMware’s Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2012.
Q. Why is the CEO transition taking place now?
It is the right time to do this given Paul Maritz’s four year successful tenure with VMware and his desire to focus on strategy and technology direction foremost. Paul, along with his team has achieved tremendous financial success, leading VMware from a $1B company to a $4B company over the past four years. He leaves the CEO role with VMware in a healthy financial position as well as on a trajectory for growth and growing strategic importance with customers.
Q. What are Paul Maritz’s plans moving forward?
Paul is preparing for VMworld (August 27-August 30, 2012) where he will deliver the Day 1 keynote to 20,000 customers, partners and industry influencers. Following the formal CEO transition period through September 1, 2012, he will remain on the VMware Board of Directors and also join the staff of Joe Tucci, EMC CEO as Chief Strategist.
Q. Why was Pat Gelsinger chosen as Maritz’s successor?
Having spent 30 years at Intel before joining EMC, Pat has unique expertise in the x86 architecture and ecosystem underpinning the vast majority of virtualized environments today, which is broadly recognized as the foundation for Cloud Computing. Pat, with his deep passion for technology and track record, will complement the strong management team that is already in place at VMware, recently strengthened by the promotion of Carl Eschenbach to Chief Operating Officer.
Q. Does this transition signal a change in VMware strategy?
VMware’s business and technology strategy remains unchanged as the company stays focused on helping customers transform IT.
Q. Is there any change in philosophy regarding the relationship between VMware and EMC?
EMC and VMware have a very close relationship given the ownership position EMC has, and the board composition. That said, ever since EMC acquired VMware it has been allowed to operate independently and work closely with many ecosystem partners that often compete with EMC. Nothing will change in this regard.
Q. Do we expect these executive changes to impact our strategic partnerships?
No, we recognize the importance of our strong partner ecosystem as a mission-critical route to market for our customers.
Q. When will Pat Gelsinger begin to discuss his plans, strategy and approach publicly?
Pat Gelsinger will participate in a select portion of the VMworld program (August 27-31) and then begin broader external communication after Sept. 1, 2012.
Q. Is the spin-out rumor regarding Cloud Foundry accurate?
The speculation about EMC and VMware’s commitment to Cloud Foundry and GreenPlum businesses are unfounded. VMware and EMC are very committed to these efforts and are continuing to aggressively invest in their success and long term contribution to the portfolio.
Q. Did the VMware Board of Directors conduct a search for a new CEO or consider other candidates?
The selection of Pat Gelsinger was given considerable thought and analysis. We also worked with an external search firm to explore and evaluate all potential candidates before making a final decision. We believe Pat is the best possible candidate for VMware and an excellent successor to Paul Maritz.
Q. What is the plan for filling the vacant VMware CFO position?
We continue our process in searching for the best candidate and will provide more information to the public when we have an update.
PUBLISHED JULY 18, 2012
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