Mark Towfiq, Flock Vice President of Engineering and Product Development, departure was “announced” today after 1.5 years leading Flock browser development.
With any personnel change in a senior role of a small company, you can expect some change in the direction and execution. Mark had the most important job at Flock, so I expect big change.
I think Mark is a wonderful person, but my own departure from Flock was greatly influenced by the lack of empowered I felt with Mark’s leadership style.
What I call Flock’s Kryptonite really bothers me. I did not feel I had the resources to address the issues that I felt were important. That is not unusual in a start up, but my priorities and Mark’s for the organization outside of software development were quite different. Mark has crystal clear vision for engineering — an absolutely fantastic engineering leader. I stopped feeling empowered.
At this stage in Flock Inc, Mark’s former position is the most important, and when he joined the team the company became aligned around Towfiq’s execution, and probably a little too much of his vision. I didn’t see myself as having much choice. I think it is safe to assume that other key contributers were Towfiqued.
Who will take his place? My former boss at Mercurial, Clayton Stark, who has been working for Flock since soon after my departure, seems like a safe bet.
Will Flock grow into an open source adult? And what will that look like?
First, they have to fly. They are standing at the edge of their nest with untested wings. They need a release that blows the critics away, but more importantly is a product that many more customers want to use.
2007-06-19 Update: Later the same day Shawn Hardin confirmed “the promotion of Clayton Stark to the new role of Vice President of Engineering at Flock”, but there was no mention of Mark’s departure. Mark gave a lot to Flock and I had hoped to see a post celebrating his contributions.
Thanks for the kind words, Lloyd. I really appreciate your earnest recording of Flock history.
Thanks for the comment Mark! I am certain there are very great things ahead for you!
Your vision and execution will enable the creation of many great products. For all of our differences, I would highly recommend you as the boss on the right product on the right team.
You joining Flock was very fortuitous for us. I stand by my support of you being hired. You were a needed anchor against the chaos.
I think there was someone else missing from the recipe; another strong leader to complete the team of you, Bart, and Geoffrey.
I wasn’t there, but I am sure you being on the team would have influenced someone of the caliber of Shawn Hardin to join the team.
I am sure that Clayton will do a great job driving the bus! Congrats for Flock, this is FANTASTIC news!