BearingPoint CEO leaves

Randolph Blazer, chief executive officer of BearingPoint, has stepped down and will be temporarily replaced by board member Roderick McGeary.

Blazer, CEO since April of 2000, was instrumental in taking BearingPoint public in 2001, said Bob Guerra, a consultant with Guerra, Kiviat, Flyzik & Associates.

"I think the guy was extremely successful," Guerra said. "People don't realize what a burnout job that is, taking a company public."

Company officials gave no reason for Blazer's sudden departure. In an e-mail to colleagues, Blazer wrote only that he felt a change is in order. Officials said in a statement that McGeary, who was BearingPoint's co-CEO from 1999 to 2000, would hold the post while the board members search for a permanent replacement.

Guerra said the change will probably not affect the firm's federal business much, but may be an attempt to improve performance on the commercial side.

"They've got some powerful people on the federal side," he said. "If there's going to be a change in emphasis — not necessarily direction — they're going to need it in the commercial market."