Keane CEO Resigns Following Charges of Personal Misconduct

Brian Keane, son of the founder of the Boston-based provider of business process and IT services, said in a statement that he will relinquish his role effective immediately and will not seek re-election as a company director at the company’s annual shareholder meeting next week.

Keane denies the charges of misconduct, but said it would was stepping down so that it did not serve as a distraction to the company. He has agreed to serve as a consultant to the company’s board through the end of next year.

"The situation we are addressing does not involve the Company's operational performance, finances, reported results of operations or internal controls," said Maria Cirino, who serves as chair of the board’s Corporate Governance Committee, in a statement. "The Board is confident that our experienced senior executives and Keane’s outstanding employees will provide strong and steady leadership during this transition period."

John J. Leahy, executive vice president and CFO, will serve as interim president and CEO while the board conducts a search of internal and external candidates to succeed Keane, the company said.

Keane (No. 61 on the 2005 VARBusiness 500) is a leading provider of offshore outsourcing services in Canada, India and Europe, and has grown both organically and through acquisitions.