TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cray Research Inc.’s Chief Executive Stepping Down: John F. Carlson, who is also chairman of the Eagan, Minn., supercomputer company, said he will leave because he is disappointed by the firm’s financial performance. “I am not satisfied with our results to date and have reluctantly concluded that I should turn over responsibility to new leadership,” Carlson said in a statement. Chief Operating Officer Robert H. Ewald, 47, has been promoted to president and named to the company’s board. The directors formed a new executive committee consisting of outside board members to supervise the search for a new chairman and chief executive. Carlson will step down as CEO Dec. 31 and will retire as chairman at the company’s annual meeting May 16.