- Today’s Special: Restaurant chain Brinker International Inc., parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar and Corner Bakery cafes, named Chuck Sonsteby CFO. Sonsteby was SVP of finance and investor relations of the Dallas-based company. He was also serving as acting CFO since Russell Owens resigned in March.
- Making The Connection: Plug Power Inc., a Latham, N.Y.-based fuel cell developer said it appointed W. Mark Schmitz VP and CFO. Schmitz joins Plug Power from General Motors Corp. where he most recently served as VP and CFO of Fort Lauderdale -based DirecTV Latin America LLC, a subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corp. and GM. Schmitz succeeds William Largent, who stepped down in March to remain in Ohio, his home state, for family health reasons. In April, Largent was hired by Columbus, Ohio-based Aelita Software as COO and CFO. In 2000, Largent received $164,289 in salary and $1,577,100 in exercised options.
- Stay For A While: FelCor Lodging Trust Inc., a hotel real estate investment trust company named Richard O’Brien EVP and CFO. O’Brien fills the vacancy left by Randy Churchey, who left the Irving, Tex.-based company more than a year ago. O’Brien previously worked for GE Capital Real Estate, where he was a managing director.
- Out Of The Picture: Internet Pictures Corp., a San Ramon, Calif.-based imaging company, announced that CFO John Kalec has left to pursue other interests. General manager and SVP of solutions sales Sarah Pate will serve as interim CFO as the company looks for a permanent replacement.
- London Calling: Band-X, a London-based telecommunications company, appointed Adrian Howe CFO. Adrian joins Band-X after two years as European CFO at telecom infrastructure provider Level(3) .
- Superstar: Avistar Communications Corp. named Robert Habig CFO. Before joining the Redwood Shores, Calif.-based video networks supplier, Habig most recently served as CFO of think3 Inc., a software startup. Acting CFO William Campbell remains Avistar Communication’s EVP and president of Collaboration Properties Inc., a subsidiary of Avistar Communications. He will also continue to serve as a board member of Avistar Communications. In 2000, Cambell received $200,000 in salary and $4,341 in other compensation.
- At Your Service: USinternetworking Inc., an Annapolis, Md.- based Internet hosting company, named William Washecka CFO. Washeck succeeds Mark McEneaney, who was named chief accounting officer. Washecka, who was also named EVP, was previously a senior partner and director of high technology at Big Five consulting firm Ernst & Young LLP.