CALIFORNIA : PEOPLE IN BUSINESS : Online Retailer CarsDirect.com Names Chief Technology Officer

* CarsDirect.com, a Sherman Oaks-based online automobile retailer, has named Gerald Popek chief technology officer. He comes from Platinum Technology Inc., of Oak Brook, Ill., where he was also chief technology officer.

* Special Devices Inc., a Moorpark-based designer and manufacturer of precision-engineered pyrotechnic devices for the aerospace and automotive industries, has named Thomas W. Cresante as its chief executive. He will replace CEO George A. Sawyer, who will step down next week but will continue as chairman. Cresante has held various management positions at automotive components suppliers, including TRW, AlliedSignal, Rockwell International and ITT.

* Glendale-based IHOP Corp., which operates the International House of Pancakes restaurant chain, said Chairman and Chief Executive Richard Herzer had successful heart bypass surgery and will resume his duties after he recuperates. Dennis Leifheit, the company’s chief operating officer, and others on the senior management team will assume Herzer’s day-to-day responsibilities.

Herzer has been a IHOP executive since 1967 and was named chairman and CEO in 1983.