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Rumor: Sun looking for new COO

Stephen Shankland Former Principal Writer
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Expertise Processors, semiconductors, web browsers, quantum computing, supercomputers, AI, 3D printing, drones, computer science, physics, programming, materials science, USB, UWB, Android, digital photography, science. Credentials
  • Shankland covered the tech industry for more than 25 years and was a science writer for five years before that. He has deep expertise in microprocessors, digital photography, computer hardware and software, internet standards, web technology, and more.
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Stephen Shankland

Rumors are swirling about the fate of Sun Microsystems' top executives, fueled by the return of Chief Financial Officer Mike Lehman and his no-stone-unturned "fresh look" at the server and software company's operations.

The latest rumor is that Sun hired an executive search firm to look externally for a new chief operating officer. Jonathan Schwartz has held that title, along with that of president, for two years. He currently also is acting executive vice president of software in the wake of John Loiacono's departure to Adobe Systems.

One popular rumor is that . If Schwartz gets moved to CEO, as some suspect, or returns permanently to his old job as EVP of software, that would leave a slot open for COO.

Sun declined to comment on the rumor.