14 DAY TRIAL // We did not expect to have to write about any AMD news today besides the launch of the Cape Verde GPU, but it looks like some other things are happening in the Sunnyvale camp.
According to AnandTech, a Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has decided to leave the company.
This is not so surprising on its own, not after the many management and employment changes that the company's newest CEO has made.
What may take users by surprise is the identity of the person leaving this time.
Apparently, the one who will pursue other opportunities is none other than Eric Demers, the Corporate VP and CTO of the Graphics Division.
He will leave this very week, apparently by his own initiative, after a period of managing roadmaps, IP development and business engagements.
It is safe to imply Demers had a strong say in AMD's overall strategy as well, given his responsibilities and position.
“Eric Demers, AMD Corporate Vice President and CTO, Graphics Business Unit, has decided leave AMD to pursue other opportunities,” AMD reportedly wrote in a statement.
“We thank Eric for his contributions to the business and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
The man's position will be taken over by CTO Mark Papermaster, though only in interim capacity. Hopefully, the Sunnyvale company will find someone capable of picking up where Demers left off, in terms of GPU product and development.
“AMD remains fully committed to our critical graphics IP development and discrete GPU products. We have a tremendous depth of talent in our organization, a game plan that is resonating with our customers and our team, and we are continuing to bring graphics-performance-leading products to market. We will attract the right technology leader for this role.”
It is a peculiar coincidence that the graphics leader is revealed to be leaving on the same day when the latest graphics cards, Radeon HD 7770 and HD 7750 become officially available, but there it is.