History (1997): Shugart’s Riche-Hand Man, Luczo, Becomes ≠2 at Seagate

For at least 2 years, Al Shugart, ≠1 at Seagate Technology, has seen to the rapid ascension of Stephen J. Luczo, 39, up the corporate ladder.

Originally from the investment banking firm Bear Stearns & Co., he became Seagate’s EVP of corporate development, then president and COO, and lastly COB of Seagate Software.

He was given carte blanche to create Seagate Software, now with annual revenues in excess of $200 million.

There is no doubt now that Luczo is Shugart’s right hand, perhaps even his successor.

Reporting to Shugart, Luczo has just been named president and COO of the entire company, in charge of storage products, recording media and heads.

Shugart gives up his position as president, but retains that of COB and CEO. Luczo will continue as chairman of the software company, although the organization has been shuffled.

Terry Cunningham, executive VP of the network and storage management group (NSMG), will assume the additional role of Seagate Software president and COO.

Greg Kerfoot, EVP of the information management group, will add to his reponsibilites the position of chief strategic officer of Seagate Software.

Cunningham will report to Luczo, while Kerfoot reports to Cunningham, along with CFO Ellen Chamberlain, VP of Seagate Software International.

Michel Montandon, director of corporate marketing Sandra Morishige and the current management team of NSMG.

For this multinational firm that employs 110,000 people, each month brings a new load of corporate nominations.

Here are a two more: Joel A. Stead has been promoted from VP to SVP, AsiaPac sales.

HDD sales in this region increased from 2.5 million to 8 million in 3 years. Stead is in charge of relations with key customers such as Sony, lnventec, Mitac and Acer.

Patrick J. O’Malley will advance to the position of VP, finance, for the recording media group.

Additionally, Susan Dinga left Quantum for Seagate, where she will take up responsibilities as VP, global staffing and development.

This article is an abstract of news published on issue 116 on September 1997 from the former paper version of Computer Data Storage Newsletter.