RUMOR: We’ve tagged this heavily as rumor, but TechCrunch is reporting that “according to industry sources” a shakeup at Palm is imminent and CEO Jon Rubinstein might be replaced. TechCrunch has reached out to Palm for a comment. This comes on the heals of news that Caitlin Spaan, Palm’s vice president of carrier marketing will be leaving the company. Spaan has been with Palm for 14 years. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.
As soon as we get an update or clarification on this story, we’ll update this space. It seems late in the game to make such a major move and one would think it would have a detrimental affect on morale at Palm. Just yesterday, the Financial Times had a feature piece on Palm where Rubinstein was quoted as saying, ” I believe Palm can survive as an independent company. We have a plan that gets us to profitability.” That doesn’t sound to us like someone ready to walk out the door.
Let’s hope this gets sorted out sooner than later.
UPDATE: Palm issued a comment to Business Insider that they do not comment on rumors. Engadget adds “not to mention that entire marketing department we hear has been canned“. Palm’s Developer Conference is in full swing this weekend and Jon Rubinstein made an appearance. This tweet made it’s way out of the conference via @Adora: RT @rboatright: Ruby says “I’m still here…” Lots of laughs. Rumor appears to be a rumor. #palmdev
ugh..With every passing week this is looking more and more like a sinking ship….VP’s leaving, that’s two now, forking out cash to keep other VP’s around. Sounds like moral is dropping like a rock at Palm.
it’s _MORALE_, otherwise known as esprit de corps
@kansei Spelling always gets compromised when trying to get a story live. ( ; I’ve made the correction.
another rumor just when Palm is about to launch in France and in Germany , 3 carriers
IMHO there is some paid evil person in the back dropping these rumors. The question is who is paying that person.
But who. Who is so angry with Palm or directly with JR
And about the marketing VP going away from Palm after 14 years
maybe new winds in that field are needed in this new age.