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Embedded Linux firm reshuffles executives

Stephen Shankland CNET News.com

Published: 10 Jan 2006 17:55 GMT

Jim Ready, the founder of embedded Linux specialist MontaVista, will step down as chief executive to become the company's top technologist.

Ready made the move for personal reasons, Peder Ulander, vice-president of marketing for MontaVista, said Friday. He'll remain chief executive until the company's board finds a replacement, Ulander said, at which point Ready will become chief technology officer.

MontaVista specialises in producing Linux for embedded computing devices such as network equipment, consumer electronics and mobile phones. It's never had the market to itself, but it faces new competition from embedded software specialist Wind River, which has become a Linux convert over the last two years.

Ready's move contrasts with that of Betfair's David Yu, who was promoted from head of IT to chief executive last week .

It's not the only significant change at MontaVista. Kelly Herrell, senior vice-president of operations, also left "to pursue other opportunities", the company said in a statement, adding that "he had been an instrumental part of the company's success over the past two years".

Also leaving the company is Hitoshi Arima, vice-president of sales for Japan. LinuxDevices reported the executive changes on Friday.