seriously anyone with double identity on HC obviously has an axe to grind. anyhow we are all making assumptions none of which may be correct - maybe he was an "industrial spy" - where do you want this to end. anyway I know if I left a position I would be cashing in my chips as well. however given that the new appointee is to be ANN'ed shortly and given the resignation effective from Thursday it all points to a structured departure - otherwise lets face it it would have taken a while to identify another replacement so the departure date and the appointment of the newbie in the near future it all ties in from my perspective.but obviously your take is different as a non-holder - all to their own and all good for the differing views but at the end of the day none of us are any wiser if the company does not ANN reasons. but IMO dates of departure/appointment tie in.