HTC has named Cher Wang, co-founder of the company, as CEO to lead the company into future product development.
The announcement comes at a time when many view HTC's designs as stagnant, considering their devices have largely remained unchanged, at least as far as design goes, over the past few years.
HTC has been in need of a change for a few years now. The last time that HTC made changes for the better in terms of revenue was way back in 2011, with a reported 67 percent increase in profits. In 2012, profits fell 38 percent, and in 2013 they fell 30 percent.
Wang seems to be as enthusiastic about change as she should be. As consumers turn to product categories such as virtual reality and wearable devices, HTC needs to make some big changes to how it runs, largely being reactive to other product releases rather than really paving the way.
"We are seeing rapid changes in the industry, with the smartphone as our personal hub connecting us to a growing world of smart devices. We pioneered the smartphone industry; now we are applying that thinking to realize the potential of a new generation of connected products and services. The overwhelming response that our virtual reality product, HTC Vive, received earlier this month underlines the importance of these new connected technologies for our future," said Wang in a statement. "As an entrepreneur at heart, I am excited to see so many new opportunities, and I am honoured to accept this opportunity to help shape the next stage of HTC's development."
It must be said, HTC has been making some attempt at change, having announced a virtual reality headset built in partnership with Valve called the Vive. The headset is aimed specifically at gamers.
HTC, however, should retain some focus on its smartphone business, which is its moneymaker. The company has largely kept the One series the same as far as design goes over the past few years. That design has become boring and predictable.
Almost as important for the company is the fact that ex-CEO Peter Chou will become the head of design at the company, focusing primarily on future growth for HTC.
Only time will tell if the changes will bring HTC good fortune, however many suggest that they won't, mainly due to the fact that the company is not bringing in any fresh blood with a new perspective. If HTC continues to do the same old thing that it has over the past few years, its chances do not look very good.
Photo: Robert Scoble | Flickr
