TomTom shuffles management after Tele Atlas acquisition

Firm planning a series of moves as new faces join the TomTom board and some old faces leave to pursue other interests

TomTom: The firm has claimed the acquisition will result in the creation of new mapping technologies

Satellite navigation giant TomTom is gearing up for a management merry-go-round after its acquisition of Tele Atlas for 2,776m Euros.

The firm plans to appoint Alain De Taeye, chief executive and founder of Tele Atlas to the TomTom board. Alexander Ribbink will step down as chief operating officer and member of the TomTom board to pursue other interests. De Taeye will also step down as chief executive of Tele Atlas once a new head has been appointed.

George fink, president and chief operating officer of Tele Atlas will step down as a member of the Tele Atlas board and is also set to resign.

Bill Henry is the likely candidate to become chief executive of Tele Atlas, with previous roles including stints at firms such as iSoft, Star Technology Services, PeopleSoft, CSC and Sprint.

Karel Vuursteen, chairman of the supervisory board of TomTom said: "With Alain joining TomTom, we have brought together in the same Board two of the entrepreneurs that shaped the navigation industry. Alain's vast experience and knowledge will be of significant added value to the group."

Harold Goddijn, chief executive of of TomTom said: "It is with regret that I have to announce Alexander Ribbink's decision to leave TomTom. Alexander has been part of TomTom in an exciting time in which the company grew to become the world's leading personal navigation company. I would like to thank Alexander for his valuable contribution to this success."

"[However] We are excited to begin this new chapter of the group's development with such an experienced manager at the helm of Tele Atlas. Bill's experience and profile are well suited to bringing Tele Atlas to the next level of its development, to position the company for future growth, and to deliver the synergies envisaged by the merger."