Founder, Chairman of Convergent Resigns

Convergent Technologies said Thursday that its founder and chairman has resigned to start a new business.

Convergent said that Allen H. Michels, founder and chairman of the computer company, resigned to begin a new business that will not compete with his old company.

Paul C. Ely Jr., president and chief executive of Convergent, said that Michels announced his decision Wednesday and that four other Convergent employees would join him in his new enterprise.

Details of the venture were not available, but Ely emphasized that Michels is cooperating with the company to assure that its interests are protected.

“We agreed at once that Allen and the others should leave immediately,” Ely said. “Any questions of a legal or fiduciary nature that might arise out of the circumstances of their departure are in the hands of our attorneys.”

Joining Ely at the new company will be Robert Van Naarden, vice president-American sales; Matthew Sanders III, corporate vice president for business development, and Richard Lowenthal and Eliot J. Wegbreit, executive vice presidents.