Borland swaps out CodeGear CEO

Borland Software has named a new chief executive for its unwanted CodeGear tools subsidiary, with incumbent Ben Smith exiting after barely four months.

Taking over as CEO is Jim Douglas, a veteran of the sales and marketing side of a trio of businesses involved in the semiconductor sector. Douglas is a former vice president of marketing for Cadence Design Systems, vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Tality, and president and CEO of ReShape that was acquired by Magma Design Automation last year for $750,000.

Borland's chief executive Todd Nielsen announced the change of guard, saying Smith is returning to private equity having set the "right tone, energy and structure at CodeGear." Smith was believed to be an architect of Borland's failed attempt to sell its respected developer tools business for $150m, which became CodeGear, through auction. No reason was given for Smith's exit.

Douglas joins two other Cadence veterans. Borland board chairman John Olsen was president of Cadence's design and realization group, while Borland director Mark Garrett is an ex vice president of finance for Cadence, according to Borland's web site.

The change over and new appointment will do little to quell concerns over the long-term future for CodeGear and its respected Delphi and JBuilder products. Developers will be extra rattled at a time when there are signs CodeGear's inaugural offerings aren't cutting it here and here.

Indeed, given Smith's involvement in the failed spin out and Douglas' successful completion of ReShape's sale, indications are Borland remains committed to offloading CodeGear. ®