Thompson to step down as Symantec chief

Thompson will step down as CEO at the end of the fiscal year

John W Thompson is to step down as chief executive at security giant Symantec at the end of this fiscal year, the company announced today.

The board of directors has appointed Enrique T Salem, currently current chief operating officer, as president and chief executive effective 4 April 2009.

Thompson will remain as chairman of the board, while Salem will join the board of directors, the firm said.

"I am proud of our team's accomplishments over the past 10 years as we've transformed the company from a consumer software publisher to the leader in internet security, data protection and storage management," said Thompson in a statement.

"I have always believed that planning for succession was a critical part of my role and, for the past two years, have been working with the board on a thoughtful succession plan.

"Through that process, Enrique emerged as the right person to lead the company and I am confident in his ability to continue to drive the success of our team."

Salem was appointed chief operating officer in January this year, having held previous roles as senior vice president of the security products and solutions group, group president of the consumer business unit and group president of worldwide sales and marketing.