Wanted: New CEO for 3Com

3Com President and CEO Bruce Claflin is set to retire, and a search for his successor is underway.

Chairman Eric Benhamou said in a statement that Claflin's leadership had helped the networking company develop strategies to compete in the secure converged networking and network security markets.

"Moving forward, the 3Com board [of directors] intends to recruit a CEO who can build on the positive trends of the past few quarters as we continue to execute our strategy, and drive 3Com toward profitable growth," Benhamou added.

Claflin joined 3Com in 1998 as president and chief operating officer, and was named CEO in 2001. Prior to joining 3Com, he held tenures in Digital Equipment (which was later acquired by Compaq Computer) and IBM.

Claflin is actively involved in the search for his replacement, according to 3Com. Upon the appointment of a new CEO, Claflin will act as a senior advisor to his successor and the board of directors for six months "to help ensure a smooth transition of leadership".

3Com added that the incoming chief will assume Claflin's position both on the 3Com board, and as chairman of joint venture, Huawei-3Com.