Michael Busselen, Seagate's VP of corporate communications, has left the data storage company for ServiceMax, a late-stage software startup, also based in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Busselen joined the Cupertino-based Seagate last year amid its revamped brand positioning and a new global agency roster that included FleishmanHillard and Creation. He started yesterday as VP of corporate communications for the field software management startup and told the Holmes Report the move was, in part, to ease his commute. 

"When the chance arrived to join a fast-growing, well-funded startup just 10 miles from my house, working with a world-class management team —including several old friends — it was just too good to pass up," Busselen said. 

Meanwhile at Seagate, senior director Eric DeRitis has taken over.

"The interim plan is for Seagate global PR to roll up under me — head of corp comms," DeRitis said. "We are considering options for a permanent solution right now."