Violin Memory Inc, a US-based maker of flash memory storage backed by corporate investors SAP, Toshiba and Juniper Networks, has announced that its chief operating officer (COO) Dixon Doll has stepped down from his position “to pursue other personal and professional opportunities.”
Doll’s departure follows that of Donald Basile, whose position as chief executive officer (CEO) was terminated by Violin Memory’s board of directors in December. Howard Bain, chairman of the Violin Memory, is acting as interim CEO while the company searches for a new CEO, but activist investor Clinton Group Inc is pressing for the company to find an acquirer instead.
Howard Bain said: “Dixon has played an instrumental role in our successful efforts to build a strong and deep bench of talent within our organization that remains focused on strengthening our customer relationships, increasing our engagement with customers and partners and driving operational efficiencies that will benefit all stakeholders.”
Dixon Doll said: “I have a great deal of admiration and respect for the Violin team, and believe they are well positioned to remain at the forefront of our industry. While this was a difficult decision, in light of recent changes at the Company, I believe that now is an appropriate time to let new leadership chart our future course. I wish the company every success and have tremendous confidence in the long-term growth opportunities for Violin.”