Analysts Look to Motorola Bench to Fill In for Exec From Key Division

The departure of a key executive just a day after a downward revision for coming-year earnings and revenue expectations should send a cold chill down investors' spines. But analysts said the jury is still out on Motorola's(MOT Quote) announcement yesterday that executive vice president Merle Gilmore is leaving the company.

The reason they didn't hit the panic button? Analysts believe there are three up-and-coming executives who can fill Gilmore's shoes. If this bench proves deep enough, Gilmore's departure may even be a long-term positive, they say.

"The company's bringing in new blood, prepping for a new management team and laying down the foundation for the future," says Wit SoundView analyst Matt Hoffman. (Wit SoundView does not have an investment banking relationship with Motorola.) ...