Microsoft’s ex-chief named Quantum CEO

BANGALORE: Rick Belluzzo has been named the CEO of the of data protection and network storage systems company Quantum Corporation. Belluzzo succeeds Michael Brown, who — after 18 years at Quantum, including seven as CEO — has decided to step down from day-to-day management but will continue to serve as chairman of Quantum’s board of directors.

With an experience of more than 25 years in the technology industry, Belluzzo, career span includes in corporations such as Hewlett-Packard during which he managed and grew some of its largest, highest growth and most profitable businesses.

In addition to Belluzzo’s long tenure at Hewlett-Packard (20 years), he also has served as chairman and CEO of Silicon Graphics before becoming the President and COO of the world’s largest software company. In that role, Belluzzo focused much of his energy on advancing Microsoft's capability to deliver software and services to enterprise customers.

Before becoming president and COO, Belluzzo was group vice president of Microsoft's Consumer Group, where he led the effort to build a series of new consumer businesses, including MSN, X-Box, set-top boxes and mobility devices.

"As Quantum has continued its transition to playing a broader role in data protection and network storage solutions, we have focused not only on expanding our portfolio of storage systems and services but also on further strengthening the expertise of our management team in these areas," said Brown.

"Rick’s appointment is the latest step in this transition. His experience in leading and growing software and storage businesses, working with multiple channels and solving customer problems will be of tremendous benefit to Quantum as we look to extend our industry leadership."

"I’m very excited about joining Quantum and working to take advantage of the many long-term opportunities in data protection and network storage," said Belluzzo.