HTC leadership reshuffle splits smartphone unit supervision

An HTC leadership shuffle has resulted in some key role changes at the Taiwanese handset maker, according to an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg News.

Foremost among the changes instituted by Chairwoman Cher Wang is having both Chief Financial Officer Chang Chialin and Chief Engineering Officer David Chen oversee the company's smartphone business, according to the report. This is in addition to their current responsibilities.

An unidentified HTC employee told CNET that it will be "business as usual," with Chiang and Chen expected to take on the duties of chief operating officer, a position left vacant after Matthew Costello's departure last year. Peter Chou will remain president and CEO of HTC.

Furthermore, a new emerging devices team has also been set up, managed by HTC North America's president Mike Woodward, as well as an engineering team lead by engineering vice president WH Liu, who is based in Taipei. Both teams will report directly to Chou.

Earlier today, Chief Marketing Officer Ben Ho and engineering President Fred Liu were reported to have left the company, though a statement from HTC says both are still with the company, with Ho taking a sabbatical while Liu will "focus on new business initiatives."

Ben Ho told CNET in April that he remained pretty confident about the company in 2014. While HTC has declined in sales for the second quarter, it's the first time the company has reported an income after three quarters of operating losses.

HTC is counting on its new strategy of its new entry level and mid-range devices such as the HTC Desire 816, to do well, while relying on its flagship HTC One M8 to showcase the company's innovation.

The company is also expected to launch a new smartwatch and tablet in the second half of the year, which are intended to debut in time for the holiday season.