Looks like Marten Mickos, one-time CEO of MySQL is leaving Sun. Matt Asay talked to Mickos, and had a sense that they key motivating factor was “(Mickos’) frustration at Sun’s bureaucracy.”
I have no doubt this was a strong contributing factor. I’ve had my own experiences with Sun over the years, and while I love the technology they produce (which apparently enough other people like to keep them a big company), the <em>business side</em> of Sun can be maddening. Getting something done with Sun is typically a big exercise in patience.
But in contrast to Matt, I’m more skeptical that the bureaucracy was really behind it. Though I only know Marten through very casual, infrequent conversations, two things show up for me:
- Behaviors don’t change, so long-term stability in a role requires matching behaviors to responsibilities. This is called “Behavioral Hiring” (these guys first taught me about it.) It asserts that people are who they are – no matter what company they’re in or what position they have – and that change doesn’t easily happen. (Not that it can’t happen, but it requires intent, coaching, etc.) The thing that made Marten — and MySQL — so successful was Marten’s ability to be the guy in charge. The last word. Not being that was a behavioral mismatch between him & his role at Sun. The MySQL acquisition may have been an emulsifier for a time; but like many emulsifiers, it only works for a while. IMHO, it is natural, and was only a matter of time before Marten’s oil and Sun’s water simply separated.
- It’s a normal post-deal story. In the large majority of acquisitions, the CEO of the acquired company is usually gone within 12-18 months after the deal. They stay immediately post-deal because there’s knowledge transfer required for the acquiring company to get up to speed (and sometimes because there are financial earn-outs required before all the deal compensation is paid). But once those hurdles are passed, CEOs usually leave – and go do it again. It’s the engine of technology industry innovation. We in this industry need these kind of departures to happen, so the next company that has a real shot at success can get the Grade-A talent needed to make it big. IMHO, this CEO-cycle-out is a Good Thing™.
My best wishes to Marten, and fortunate indeed will be the company where he lands next.
JAB Ventures 