RealNetworks CEO resigns, temp chief exec appointed
Thomas Nielsen didn’t cut the mustard as CEO, says chairman
RealNetworks has appointed a temporary CEO as it searches for a replacement for the outgoing Thomas Nielsen.
Nielsen had been in the role since November last year, but will now resign at the helm as president and chief exec to make way for former CEO Rob Glaser.
Glaser is the founder of the media software firm, known for its RealPlayer tools, and will take over while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
According to Glaser, Nielsen didn’t fit the mold for CEO:
“The board and Thomas mutually agreed that the CEO position wasn’t the right fit,” ex-Microsoft exec Glaser said in a statement.
“We thank Thomas for the contributions he has made in moving RealNetworks forward and wish him well in his new endeavors.”
Glaser added that the company is in need of a quick turnaround.
“I come back to RealNetworks with a sense of great urgency to set the company on a long-term path to success,” said Glaser.
“RealNetworks has a great deal of potential and opportunity, with huge reach and distribution of our products, key carrier partnerships, talented employees, terrific technology assets and significant financial resources.”