Eric Benhamou

Eric Benhamou is stepping down from the board of RealNetworks, according to an SEC filing. Benhamou, who has served as a director since 2003, will continue to serve as lead independent director, chair of the audit committee, and a member of the compensation and strategic transactions committees of the board of directors (what a mouthful!) until the expiration of his term at the annual meeting on November 16.

Benhamou is the CEO and founder of Benhamou Global Ventures, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. He previously served as CEO of 3Com and Palm.

In the recent months, RealNetworks has announced plans to start running three of its divisions as standalone business units (a common tactic for companies seeking to sell or spin-off sections of their whole), cut 80 jobs and warned of more cuts, and released its free RealPlayer for Android.

Founder and chairman Rob Glaser returned to the CEO helm in July after Thomas Nielsen stepped down following a 7-month stint. Shortly after Glaser’s return to the CEO slot, Real named Seattle angel investor John Cunningham to the board. Other board members include Janice Roberts, Mike Slade, Kalpana Raina and Dominique Trempont.

RealNetworks pioneered streaming audio and video during the early days of the web, but with no standout products or services has struggled to find its way in recent years.

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