Messman memo to Novell: Rally behind Hovsepian
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Novell Chief Executive Jack Messman has asked employees to support Ron Hovsepian in his new role as president and chief operating officer of the server software company.
"I ask that each of you put your full and complete efforts behind his strong vision as we continue to work toward building a stronger Novell," Messman said in a memo sent to employees Tuesday and seen by News.com. Novell, based in Waltham, Mass., declined to comment.
Newly promoted Hovsepian is the executive leading layoffs and other restructuring activities likely to be announced this week at Novell. He also led smaller changes elsewhere at the company, including 120 to 150 layoffs at Novell's European operations.
Those credentials are an asset, Messman said. "Ron's promotion is a direct result of the positive and transformative changes he has made since joining Novell in 2003," he said.
Hovsepian will run the core parts of Novell. "In his new role, Ron will have responsibility for product development, field operations and marketing," Messman said.
Hovsepian has kept customer needs in mind, but shareholders also will benefit from his influence, the CEO added. "Both the board and I are convinced that Ron's leadership will deliver strong results for our customers, employees and shareholders," Messman said. "Ron's focus on meeting customer needs has played an important role in driving the organization to be more customer focused, as well as delivering strong operational efficiency in the areas where he has had responsibility. It is now time for Ron to apply his skills and energy to a larger part of our organization."