Linux software company Red Hat is seeking a new top sales executive to replace Alex Pinchev, who is departing in January.
Pinchev, executive vice president of sales, services and field marketing, is leaving the Raleigh company as of Jan. 16 "to become the chief executive officer of a data protection software company that is both privately held and an ecosystem partner of Red Hat," according to a company statement.
The Red Hat sales team headed by Pinchev has won high marks from analysts.
"While we are saddened by Alex's planned departure in January, we are pleased for him and wish him the best in his new CEO opportunity," CEO Jim Whitehurst said in a prepared statement. "Alex has built a very capable global sales team which will continue to serve our customers well."
Red Hat said Pinchev will assist the company in its search for a successor and with transition planning.
Red Hat sales have remained robust through the recession and its slow-growth aftermath. Sales in its fiscal second quarter rose 28 percent to $281.3 million, positioning it to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue.