Cisco SVP Departs for Microsoft

Cisco Systems announced that Laura Ipsen, 47, has resigned as the company’s SVP of the Connected Energy division. Ipsen left to join Microsoft as the new Corporate VP of its Worldwide Public Sector division. While at Cisco, Ipsen also served as the SVP & GM of the Smart Grid Business unit. She currently serves on Monsanto’s Board of Directors.

HP Fires CEO/Board Member

HP announced that Leo Apotheker, 58, has been relieved of his duties as President, CEO & Director. Before joining HP, he was the CEO of SAP AG. Meg Whitman, 55, has been named as Apotheker’s replacement. Prior to joining HP, Whitman served as President & CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008. She has also held senior positions at Hasbro, Stride Rite, and FTD.

Steve Jobs Relinquishes CEO Role at Apple; Replacement Announces First Promotion Decision

Apple announced that Steve Jobs, 56, has resigned as CEO of the company. He will continue to serve the company in his new role as Chairman of the Board. Former Apple COO Tim Cook, 50, has assumed the role of CEO. Prior to joining Apple, Cook was the VP of Corporate Materials for Compaq. He came to Compaq from Intelligent Electronics, where he served as COO of the computer reseller division. Cook has also worked at IBM, most recently as the Director of North American Fulfilment.

Qualcomm Expands Exec’s Role to Include CTO Responsibilities

Qualcomm, a wireless communication components company, announced the appointment of Matt Grob as EVP and CTO. In addition to his new responsibilities, Grob will continue to lead Qualcomm's Corporate R&D division and provide oversight to Qualcomm’s Corporate Engineering Services. Grob joined Qualcomm in 1991 as an engineer.

Qualcomm Names New Asia Sales Head

Qualcomm has named Jim Doh as President and SVP, Worldwide Sales for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT) Asia. He joined Qualcomm in 1997 and has helped to establish the Qualcomm CDMA Technologies business in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Prior to joining Qualcomm, Doh held various technical and business management roles at Intel and Raytheon.