Noonan Leaves SPSS Following IBM Buy

Jack Noonan, the CEO of MR software firm SPSS, has been replaced by IBM veteran Deepak Advani, following the firm's acquisition.

IBM completed the $1.2bn deal in October, since when SPSS has been integrated into the computer giant's Business Analytics and Process Optimization organization.

Advani previously held a variety of senior level strategy and marketing roles at IBM, before becoming Chief Marketing Officer and SVP eCommerce at PC manufacturer Lenovo, which was formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division. He re-joined IBM in March as VP of cross-IBM offerings in the IBM Software Group.

Noonan, who has more than 40 years' experience in the technology industry, also started his career with IBM back in 1967. He worked there for the next decade before moving to PC manufacturer Amdahl where he was responsible for software development, marketing and customer service. Before joining SPSS as President and CEO in 1992, he was President and CEO of database software firm Microrim Corp.

In 2008, Noonan was named Chairman of the SPSS Board of Directors, following the resignation of Norman Nie, who founded the firm in 1967.

In a recent e-mail to staff, Noonan commented: 'It has been almost 18 years since I was given the privilege of leading SPSS. Together we were able to make SPSS a leader in a market that we created. Your support, hard work and dedication brought us to where we are today. Even as I depart from the company, I am confident that you will make the Predictive Analytic 'ROCKET RIDE' a reality.
I thank you all for making my time with SPSS one of the most rewarding, challenging and fun times of my life.'

Noonan is currently handing over responsibilities to Advani, and a spokesman for SPSS was unable to confirm his leaving date or what he plans to do next.

Web site: www.spss.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.