Chairman of MAI Systems Quits; Firm’s Former CEO Takes Over

TUSTIN —  MAI Systems Corp. said Thursday that William Weksel has resigned as chairman and chief executive of the computer company to pursue other opportunities.

Bennett S. LeBow, a New York financier who owns a large stake in MAI, will replace Weksel as chairman and chief executive, the company said.

Bert Weidberg, MAI’s senior vice president and general counsel, declined to comment on Weksel’s departure.

Weksel, a longtime business partner of LeBow, was named chairman and chief executive in January, following MAI’s failed 10-month effort to acquire Prime Computer Inc., a Massachusetts computer maker.

Weksel replaced LeBow, who then became chairman of the company’s executive committee.

Weksel will continue to work as a consultant for the Tustin-based company until June 30, 1992, Weidberg said. Fred D. Anderson Jr. remains as president and chief operating officer of the company.

In June, LeBow replaced Weksel as chairman of Ligget Group Inc., a North Carolina cigarette maker that is controlled by LeBow.

LeBow, who specializes in turning around ailing companies, also controls Western Union Corp., the financially troubled communications company.

MAI, formerly MAI Basic Four, announced in April that it would discontinue manufacturing its proprietary minicomputer systems. Instead, the company now develops custom software for other manufacturers’ computers and markets them.

Hurt by a slump in minicomputer sales, MAI reported a loss of $228,000 on revenue of $97 million for its fiscal third quarter ended June 30. The company, which changed its name to MAI Systems this month, employs about 3,400 people worldwide.