VMware replaces global chief exec

Server virtualisation pioneer VMware has replaced co-founder Diane Greene as president and chief executive, replacing her with Paul Maritz, a former Microsoft executive.

In a statement, the company thanked Greene for helping to bring VMware to its current leadership position in the virtualisation market, but gave no reason for the sudden move.

However, the firm now faces greater competition from Microsoft, following the software giant's release of its Hyper-V technology that enables Windows Server 2008 to run virtual machines for no extra purchase price.

Joe Tucci, chairman of VMware's board of directors, said the company was pleased to be able to appoint an executive with Maritz's experience and track record to lead VMware throuhg its next stage of growth and development.

Maritz left Microsoft in 2000, but previously oversaw development and marketing of products such as Windows 95 and Windows NT.

VMware said it expected its annual revenues to be slightly below its previous guidance of 50 percent growth over the figures released in 2007.

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