Samsung

"At least" five high-ranking executives from Samsung Telecommunications America have left or handed in their notice in the past two months, according to a report from CNET. The list of departing execs covers some individuals who were public faces for Samsung in addition to their strategic roles within the company, as well as those involved with some key mobile products and sales efforts.

Those named include Seshu Madhavapeddy, SVP of product, Nanda Ramachandran, VP and general manager, Mike Pennington, VP of sales operations and head of national sales, Ketrina Dunagan, VP of retail and channel marketing, and Donna Cerny, director of human resources.

The report of high-level departures comes as a second patent trial plays out in a California court between Samsung and arch-rival Apple, and as the company prepares to launch its flagship smartphone for 2014, the Galaxy S5. Last summer Samsung named Gregory Lee the new president of STA, replacing Dale Sohn, who became an executive adviser to CEO JK Shin at the company's Korean HQ.

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Late last year STA product chief Kevin Packingham also left the company. CNET reports that Packingham departed as his job became more sales-focused following Samsung's push behind one major Galaxy S device instead of multiple customized models for U.S. carriers.

"As our US business continues to diversify and expand, we will continue to build an industry leading organization with people who will contribute to even greater success for Samsung," Samsung said in a statement. "Some have left voluntarily to pursue other opportunities, and we thank them for their service."

Source: CNET