Dell finance chief Brian Gladden has resigned, reportedly to become CEO at a different, as-yet-unnamed company. He has previous CEO experience, with Sabic Innovative Plastics Holding, formerly GE Plastics. Gladden had worked at General Electric for more than 20 years in a variety of divisional finance and operational roles. He came to Dell as CFO in 2008.

Brian Gladden

Gladden helped engineer last October’s privatization of the computer maker in a $24.9 billion leveraged buyout by CEO Michael Dell and Silver Lake Management. The deal was completed after a lengthy period of discord with Dell shareholders over the move.

CFO interviewed Gladden at length in May of 2011 on the company’s innovative educational program for its young, high-potential finance staffers. He said he was trying to instill in them the idea that they are building a 25-year career at the company, “rather than just joining to get a certain set of experiences to make you more attractive in the long term. This is about developing a culture and leadership qualities for the long term.”

Dell’s controller, Thomas Sweet, has been tapped to replace Gladden, who will stay on at the company through February.

Source: Dell CFO Gladden Resigns in Highest-Profile Exit Since LBO