Friday, May 8, 2009

RealNetworks Names Chapple to Board of Directors

RealNetworks reported Thursday that it has appointed John Chapple to its board of directors. The Seattle-based provider of digital entertainment services said Chapple succeeds Jeremy Jaech, whose resignation was also announced Thursday. Real had earlier said that Jaech---CEO of Verdiem--would not run later this year for another term; the company did not provide any reasons for his earlier-than-expected departure. However, Real did say that it plans to nominate Chapple to a full term at the annual shareholders meeting later in the year. Chapple, Real noted, has served as president of venture capital firm Hawkeye Investments LLC since October 2006. Before that, Real added, he served an eight-and-a-half-year stint as Nextel Partners' president, chief executive officer and board chairman.