Motorola CEO Zander drops out of CTIA keynote

When executives bow out of speaking engagements--whether it's a trade show or investment conference--interested parties go hmmm. Put on your hmmm hats folks because Motorola CEO Ed Zander has backed out of giving the CTIA Wireless 2007 keynote in Orlando.

Given Motorola's recent travails perhaps Zander's CTIA exit means there's more tough sailing ahead. Wall Street analysts such as Oppenheimer's Lawrence Harris have been lowering estimates recently due to "unfavorable near-term pricing trends on the RAZR V3 and KRZR K1." Harris is also worried about Motorola's inventory levels.

It wouldn't be all that surprising if Motorola issued a profit warning about the same time Zander would be on stage. Then again maybe Zander's exit is nothing.

The official Motorola line as told to the Chicago Tribune revolves around an unforeseen scheduling conflict.

Hmmm.