Outgoing Oracle co-President and CFO Gregory Maffei has found a true challenge for his next gig—succeeding the formidable John C. Malone as CEO of the always intricate Liberty Media. Maffei will start as a director and CEO-elect, then, will become in CEO in 2Q06, as well as president, succeeding Robert “Dob” Bennett, who announced plans to retire earlier. Malone remains as chairman.
Maffei has an interesting background: seven years at Microsoft, leaving as SVP & CFO followed by five years at 360networks as chairman and CEO and then this very brief stint at Oracle. Liberty Media is a holding company, not an operating company, so a very different creature altogether.
Maffei’s on the boards of Electronic Arts and Starbucks Coffee.  Press release.
Update: I should have made clear earlier that Malone only recently took on the role of CEO as of Bennett’s retirement process. Bennett was CEO for nine years; CFO for 7. (He’s also a truly class act.)