Xyratex CEO Steve Barber Resigns Abruptly …

Xyratex Ltd announced Steve Barber has stepped down as CEO and as a member of the board of directors, effective April 2.

 The board has appointed Ernie Sampias as interim CEO to ensure a smooth transition and to lead the Xyratex executive team while the board conducts a search for a permanent CEO. The board is being assisted in this process by an

 Barber has played a leadership role at Xyratex as CEO since February 2003. Since the company’s listing on Nasdaq in 2004 he grew annual revenues from $459 million to approximately $1.16 billion in 2012.

"We thank Steve for his enormous contribution to Xyratex’s development, especially the dedication and energy he brought to the company," said chairman, Jonathan Brooks. "Steve has worked hard to lead the company through the many transitions in our industry and we appreciate the leadership he has demonstrated over the years. With the challenges the company faces in a rapidly changing industry, we have mutually agreed that this is the right time for a leadership transition. I am delighted that Ernie Sampias, who has served on the Xyratex board for almost 9 years, has agreed to assume day to day leadership of the company while we search for a new CEO."

Barber stated: "Xyratex is an outstanding company with very talented employees, and I have been proud to serve as the company’s CEO. We have accomplished a great deal together in the last 10 years that I have been CEO, but I feel now is the right time for me to pass the baton and let new leadership take the company into its next phase of innovation and growth. I remain very optimistic about Xyratex’s future in the hands of a great team which will drive the company to the next phase."