The Dell Shakeup: Everyone Becomes a Consultant

Today closes a chapter in the Dell ( DELL ) recovery story: Founder and CEO Michael Dell hired Mike Cannon, formerly chief executive of contract electronics manufacturer Solectron (SL, in February of 2007 to fill a new post of President of Global Operations. Today, Cannon is departing , with Dell shares trading at $10.20, less than half what they were on Valentine’s Day, 2007, when Cannon’s appointment was announced. More than anything, the shake-up promises to leave Dell with lots of consultants: Cannon’s to be replaced by Jeff Clarke, who has been head of business client products, but Cannon will remain on as a consultant. At the same time, the company’s head of marketing, Mark Jarvis, is leaving, to be replaced by Erin Nelson, who has been running marketing for Dell in Europe. Jarvis is to also remain on retainer. Cannon’s departure is part of a reorganization of its commercial PC operations (those that cater to business versus consumers) announced by Dell, with the company shifting from ... (link)