Peter Boylan, CEO of newly formed Liberty Broadband Interactive Television,
has recruited four of his former Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. colleagues
to work for the company.
Boylan hired Gemstar vice president of corporate development Toby DeWeese,
chief technology officer William Thomas, senior VP Craig Wagge and executive VP
of technology licensing Mark Allen, who was promoted to that position after
Boylan left Gemstar in March.
It's unclear which posts the foursome will take at LBIT. Boylan couldn't be
reached for comment, and Liberty spokesman Mike Erickson said he couldn't
confirm the positions. Although analysts may question Gemstar executives about
the moves when the company reports its earnings Thursday, it's not surprising
that Boylan would recruit the four executives, who have worked with him in
Tulsa, Okla., since he ran United Video Satellite Group Inc.
'This represents an opportunity for [Gemstar CEO] Henry Yuen and [chief
operating officer] Jeff Shell to move the company to the next level and enhance
the management team in order to fulfill our goal of enhancing our relationships
with service providers,' Gemstar spokeswoman Lauren Snyder
said.
