Rubin Returns to Lead Computer Memories

Irwin Rubin has returned as chief executive and chairman of Chatsworth-based Computer Memories. He replaces Finis Conner, who resigned Oct. 10 after less than one month on the job.

Rubin, 57, stepped down as chairman and chief executive to become vice chairman of the disk drive maker when Conner was hired Sept. 16. He became interim chief executive when Conner resigned suddenly for what the company said were personal reasons.

Computer Memories’ directors recruited Conner in the hope that he would lure customers to replace IBM, which announced in August that it would not renew its contract to buy disk drives from Computer Memories after Dec. 31. IBM orders accounted for 81% of Computer Memories’ $50.5 million in revenue in the quarter ended June 30.

Rubin first became involved in Computer Memories in 1980 when he was approached about investing in the firm. He joined the company the next year as chairman and is the company’s largest individual shareholder with about 5% of its stock.