From the SPJA’s official announcement:
The SPJA has announced that Michael Lattanzio, CEO of the organization for the past year, is leaving on good terms to pursue other projects. SPJA Chairman of the Board Marc Perez has assumed Lattanzio’s responsibilities on an interim basis.
The SPJA thanks Lattanzio for his service and the growth Anime Expo enjoyed under Lattanzio’s stewardship.
Mike’s Notes: those who have been following the anime news are probably aware that Michael Lattanzio’s tenure as head of the SPJA, the parent organization that runs Anime Expo, has been met with considerable controversy. We can confirm that our experience at this year’s Anime Expo was measurably different than in previous years under the new management, in ways both good (great press treatment, an enviable guest of honor list) and not-so-good (high fees on main events, multiple staff resignations), and no matter what one thinks of his year-long tenure, this news once again raises questions about the future direction of AX and how it will be run next year. Will many of the resigned staff return, for instance? Will prices be lowered or not? There was a point early this year when it seemed the future of Anime Expo was in doubt, but an impressive turnaround happened.
Whatever happened, the drama is likely not over, and at Anime Diet we are dedicated to convention coverage. We’ll be on top of it as it continues to unfold.
More background is available at ANN.
Boy. This is the fucking new millenium. No one stays on job for more than a year. Not even a CEO. XD
Since SPJA’s inception there have always factions fighting over its direction and willing to spill it out publicly if one side doesn’t get their way. Because of that SPJA is as ungovernable as the state it resides in.
Unless they pick a fanboy/girl or a gutless empty suit as the new CEO, anyone they choose for the role is doomed to the same treatment.
Yeah, it seems like anybody who’s not willing to become the puppet of the board gets the boot. Oh, but, he “left on good terms!” Yep, PR-speak for, “we pulled down his pants and kicked his ass out the window.” Oh, well. Maybe the constant shake-ups will result in the ultimate con experience? (Optimism lives!)