Smith coolly mans Digital's 'hot seat.' (Who's News) (DEC VP John F. Smith)
Article Abstract:
John F. Smith, 55, has been appointed senior vice president for operations at DEC and will is facing increased responsibility as second-in-command to founder Kenneth H. Olsen, 64. Smith has been broad given responsibility over engineering, manufacturing, sales, field service and marketing. Smith's ability to succeed Olsen is dependent on his ability to turn the second-largest computer maker around by the end of 1991. Profits are at an all-time low, and job cuts need to be made, Smith says. An original DEC employee, Smith has a low profile in the company and may serve out his career in his present post if Olsen decides to stay at the helm until 1995.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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Digital's president is said to claim he was forced out: Olsen's retirement is linked to his inability to enforce organizational changes
Article Abstract:
DEC Pres Kenneth H. Olsen retired suddenly in Jul 1992 and says he was forced out because he could not implement organizational changes demanded by the company's board of directors. Olsen said on his retirement that it was his choice, but later told a group of DEC employees that he had been fired. Robert B. Palmer is Olsen's successor, though it is unclear who will assume Olsen's position as chairman of the board. Olsen's efforts to reorganize the company and have engineering groups report to marketing were unsuccessful. The company was trying to make changes to improve its financial condition. In Apr 1992, DEC reported an unexpectedly large loss.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1992
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