A representative of SPSS told Research yesterday: “At the time of the close of the acquisition [in early October] it was made clear to our employees that Jack would be transitioning out of the business.” The spokesperson said Noonan was leaving the firm “very amicably”. His departure date has not been confirmed.

In a message to SPSS employees, Noonan said: “It has been almost 18 years since I was given the privilege of leading SPSS. Together we were able to make SPSS a leader in a market that we created. Your support, hard work and dedication brought us to where we are today. Even as I depart from the company, I am confident that you will make the predictive analytic ‘rocket ride’ a reality. I thank you all for making my time with SPSS one of the most rewarding, challenging and fun times of my life.”

Noonan was appointed president and CEO of SPSS in January 1992, taking the additional role of chairman in 2008. He began his computer industry career with IBM in 1967, and before joining SPSS he was president and CEO of software developer Microrim.

The firm, which makes software for data collection and statistical analysis and modelling, was bought earlier this year by IBM for $1.2bn, becoming part of the computer giant’s information management software group.

• UPDATE: Following publication of this report, IBM has quietly named Deepak Advani as SPSS chief executive. An IBM veteran, Advani also holds the post of vice president of predictive analytics.