RealNetworks CEO Resigns

5 Jul, 2012 By: Chris Tribbey

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RealNetworks CEO Thomas Nielsen has stepped down as president and CEO, the company announced. Chairman and founder Rob Glaser will serve as interim CEO while the company searches for a replacement.

“I come back to RealNetworks with a sense of great urgency to set the company on a long-term path to success,” Glaser said. “RealNetworks has a great deal of potential and opportunity, with huge reach and distribution of our products, key carrier partnerships, talented employees, terrific technology assets and significant financial resources.  I am committed to accelerating our business and product strategy to bring great products to our customers and run the company efficiently, and thereby create shareholder value for our investors.”

RealNetworks is best known for having its RealDVD copying software declared illegal in court in 2009. The company agreed to pay Hollywood studios $4.5 million. This is the company’s second search for a CEO since March 2011, when Robert Kimball resigned after 12 years with RealNetworks.

"The board and Thomas mutually agreed that the CEO position wasn't the right fit," Glaser said. "We thank Thomas for the contributions he has made in moving RealNetworks forward and wish him well in his new endeavors.”
 

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