Dave DeWalt quits at McAfee as Intel tightens its grip

McAfee has announced the resignation of company president Dave DeWalt and the appointment of Michael DeCesare and Todd Gebhart as co-presidents.

The move will end DeWalt's four-year reign as head of the security vendor, but he will continue to serve on the board of directors.

DeWalt will be replaced by DeCesare, who was executive vice president of global operations, and Gebhart, formerly consumer, mobile and small business general manager. Both will report to Intel senior vice president and group general manager Renée James.

"With the formation of the office of the president, we have two proven executives with long histories of accomplishment and leadership at McAfee," said James.

"Intel continues to be very pleased with McAfee's performance in terms of sales and innovation since the acquisition was announced last year."

DeWalt's resignation comes just under a year after Intel announced a £4.9bn deal to purchase McAfee, and had been expected for some time.

"It is typical when a company is purchased by a larger one they will stick around for a while, but if you want to be a chief executive you don't stick around long," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group.

"Now McAfee clearly will have line of command and no conflict with Intel, and this is going to force the firms into a much closer collaboration."

Enderle told V3.co.uk that DeWalt is likely to land on his feet. "He is a good executive and very well regarded," he said. "He comes out of this as a success, and successful chief executives are hard to find."