One of the big surprises in EFI's most recent earnings release was the announcement that its President, Fred Rosenzweig, would be retiring after 19 years of service to the company. For those of you who know and/or have done business with Fred over those years, you know how sorely missed he will be at EFI.  I spoke to him today, and he indicated that for him, one of the hardest parts is leaving the people, both inside and outside the company.  He is not yet planning something new, but with his usual focus, is working to make the next two quarters at EFI the best ever, and he will continue part-time as a consultant to the company during 2012.

Fred told me, "This position is 24/7/365, with lots of requirements for customer and employee interaction.  On top of that, I have traveled 200,000 to 250,000 miles every year for the last four years, and it does take a toll. We have done a lot in the last five to six years.  We have changed the company, we are positioned well, and I wanted to make sure the business was doing well and no one would even notice I went out the door."

Well, Fred, I am sure you have accomplished those things in spades, but people will definitely notice!

He added, "It has been a great run.  If someone had told me back in 1993 when I joined the company what was going to transpire, I would have thought they were crazy.  EFI has been a great company and has allowed me to do things I never would have been able to do elsewhere.  These years have been good for me, and good for the organization.  We have a seasoned management team that is ready to step in, and I think the business itself will continue to prosper."

Fred will be missed, both personally and professionally, by a lot of people.  He has promised to keep us updated as his future plans evolve.  Even though he will be around through Graph Expo, SGIA, etc., through the end of the year, I hope those of you who have enjoyed working with him will let him know, and will wish him well by leaving comments in this space.