CEO Steps Down From Stamford-Based Pitney Bowes

STAMFORD, CT — Pitney Bowes, the global shipping and mailing company based in Stamford, announced on Monday that Marc Lautenbach has stepped down as president, chief executive officer and member of the board of directors.

Jason Dies, who recently served as the executive vice president and group president, was appointed interim CEO, a news release from Pitney Bowes said.

The board of directors will conduct "a comprehensive search process" for a new permanent CEO. The company noted the process will be supported by a nationally recognized, independent search firm, and is expected to include internal and external candidates.

Lautenbach was appointed as president and CEO of Pitney Bowes in December 2012. He previously served in senior leadership positions at IBM.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this iconic company for over a decade. As proud as I am of what has been accomplished, I am particularly proud of our team, who has always been guided by our ‘true north’ – our value of doing the right thing the right way. I am confident that this value will continue to guide our company’s journey going forward," Lautenbach said in a news release.

In early September, Ancora Holdings Group LLC, which offers integrated investment advisory, wealth management and retirement plan services, and is also a debt holder of Pitney Bowes, sent an open letter to the company calling for a succession plan for Lautenbach.

Ancora said Lautenbach had been "an utter failure throughout the vast majority of his tnure as chief executive officer."

On Monday, Dies said in a news release he was "extremely excited" to take over as interim CEO, and he thanked the board of directors.

"All of us at Pitney Bowes know that we are part of a historic brand that plays a pivotal role in helping companies meet their most critical mailing and shipping needs. I look forward to working with all my colleagues to identify new opportunities and solve challenges head-on, leading to positive impacts for our clients, shareholders, partners and employees," Dies said. "This is a very exciting time for Pitney Bowes, and I intend for this to be a highly productive transition period as we drive tangible progress and support value creation for all our stakeholders."

Dies joined Pitney Bowes in 2015 and has held several senior leadership roles.

Pitney Bowes employs 11,000 people with offices across the globe. Its headquarters are located at 3001 Summer St. in Stamford. There are also offices in Shelton and a presort facility in Hartford.

Read more on Pitney Bowes' leadership transition.