Sun Microsystems is changing leadership. The board of directors has appointed Jonathan Schwartz as the company's chief executive officer (CEO).

The company says the appointment is the result of an on-going succession planning process and is effective immediately.

Schwartz, 40, succeeds Scott McNealy, 51, who will continue serving as chairman of the board and a full time employee, devoted to expanding market opportunities for Sun around the globe. Schwartz also retains the title of president.

Jonathan Schwartz joined Sun in 1996 upon the Company's acquisition of Lighthouse Design, Ltd., where he served as chief executive officer. He was named Sun's president and chief operating officer in April 2004, and has been responsible for Sun's product development, sales, marketing and operations. Schwartz began his career as a consultant to financial services companies with McKinsey & Co., Inc., and holds degrees in economics and mathematics from Wesleyan University.

McNealy will focus his efforts on Sun's government and academic relationships globally, as well as expand his role with key strategic partner relationships. McNealy will also assume the role of chairman of Sun Federal Inc., which focuses exclusively on U.S. government business.

McNealy founded Sun Microsystems along with Andy Bechtolsheim, Bill Joy and Vinod Khosla in 1982. He was named Sun's chief executive officer and elected chairman of the board of directors in 1984.