IBM technology strategy and hardware execs retiring

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Two of IBM's (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) most senior executives, technology strategy chief Nick Donofrio and hardware chief Bill Zeitler, will retire later this year, an IBM memo showed on Monday.

Chief Executive Sam Palmisano announced the retirements in an email to employees obtained by Reuters. Bob Moffat will take Zeitler's job as Senior Vice President and Group Executive, Systems and Technology, overseeing computer and microchips and keep is current role focused on IBM's supply chain.

A variety of executives will take on roles from Donofrio, whose title is Executive Vice President, Innovation and Technology, Palmisano said.

Spokesman Ed Barbini confirmed the moves and said the change was normal as, traditionally, executives retire around age 60. Zeitler would be 61 and Donofrio 63 when they retired, he said.

(Reporting by Peter Henderson; Editing by Andre Grenon)